Sulaiman emphasized that farmers are the hardest hit by these fake fertilizers, as most of them purchased such products using loans from the People's Business Credit (KUR) program, putting them at risk of crop failures.
"We have recently found five types of counterfeit fertilizers that could cause losses of up to Rp3.2 trillion. However, this is not just about the money — this is about farmers at risk of losing their livelihoods, as they rely on KUR loans," he remarked in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday.
Although he did not provide details about the types of said fertilizers or their locations, the minister assured that firm action would be taken against those involved in the counterfeiting.
The minister strongly condemned the perpetrators, describing their actions as unethical and calling for immediate eradication of such practices to protect Indonesia’s farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole.
Furthermore, Sulaiman reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the Ministry of Agriculture continues to do its utmost to advance the sector, improve farmers’ living standards, and safeguard them from fraud.
"It is clear that this issue must be tackled. As long as we are in charge of agricultural affairs, we will continue working to ensure the glory of Indonesia’s agriculture sector," Sulaiman stressed.
The minister also pledged to fully support President Prabowo Subianto’s mission to achieve food self-sufficiency in pursuit of strengthening national food security.
"We want Indonesia to become the world’s food barn, as instructed by Mr. President," he stated.
Translator: Muhammad H, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
