Indonesia streamlines fertilizer distribution for farmers

Pontianak. West Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said subsidized fertilizer distribution has accelerated after the government streamlined the subsidy distribution system.

"Fertilizer must be available before the planting season. That is why we changed all regulations," Zulkifli said in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Friday.

Previously, subsidized fertilizer distribution involved multiple administrative stages and approvals across different levels of government, slowing delivery to farmers.

The system has now been simplified, allowing fertilizers to be distributed directly from state-owned firm PT Pupuk Indonesia to registered farmers.

According to Zulkifli, the policy enables farmers to redeem subsidized fertilizers from the beginning of the year based on government allocations.

The government has also maintained a 20-percent reduction in the highest retail price of subsidized fertilizers, which has been in effect since October 2025.

The measure is intended to ease the burden on farmers amid global economic pressures and the weakening rupiah.

Zulkifli said the policies had begun to show positive results in the agricultural sector.

As of June 2026, more than 4 million tons of subsidized fertilizer had been distributed nationwide out of a total allocation of 9.8 million tons.

Related news: Some countries ask for Indonesian fertilizer: Prabowo

Related news: Pupuk Indonesia's fertilizer sales jump 36 percent in early May

Translator: Rendra, Kenzu

Editor: Anton Santoso

Copyright © ANTARA 2026