“Distributors and retailers who ignored the government’s directive to lower prices by 20 percent will have their licenses revoked today—190 in total,” Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said at a press conference in Jakarta.
He stressed there would be no tolerance for violations that harm farmers, describing the move as a decisive action based on inspections in regions including Lampung, Maluku, and Sulawesi.
“Farmers have long been exploited by cartels. Now it’s time to fight back. The state must side with our 160 million farmers and protect them from schemes benefiting only a few,” Amran said.
The minister added that those who had their licenses revoked would not be allowed to operate as fertilizer distributors or retailers in the future.
Amran also warned regional managers of state-owned Pupuk Indonesia to closely monitor compliance with the price cap. “General managers who fail to enforce these rules will be evaluated and, if necessary, removed,” he said.
To strengthen distribution of subsidized fertilizer, the ministry will work with Merah Putih Village Cooperatives, coordinating with the Ministry of Cooperatives.
The ministry also launched a direct complaint channel, allowing farmers and the public to report violations of fertilizer prices, agricultural tools, or counterfeit products via WhatsApp at 082311109390.
“Report the location of noncompliant sellers. We will respond directly, and whistleblowers’ identities will be protected. You are a food hero,” Amran said.
The price reductions, outlined in Agriculture Minister Decree No. 1117/KPTS/SR.310/M/10/2025, lower the maximum retail prices for urea, NPK, ZA, and organic fertilizers by roughly 20 percent.
For example, urea drops from Rp2,250 per kilogram to Rp1,800, while NPK for cocoa declines from Rp165,000 to Rp132,000 per 50-kilogram bag.
The ministry emphasized ongoing oversight to ensure the cuts benefit farmers and curb unfair practices in the sector.
Translator: Muhammad H, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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