Jakarta (WNAM MONITORING): Member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IV, Adrianus Asia Sidot, stated that the government’s policy to reduce fertilizer prices by up to 20 percent and improve its distribution system must be accompanied by strict monitoring in the field.
This measure is crucial to prevent price discrepancies that exceed the government’s retail ceiling price (HET) at kiosks.
He emphasized that the policy is a key factor in achieving national food self-sufficiency, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision.
“The fertilizer price reduction will significantly benefit farmers and is expected to boost their productivity and welfare,” Adrianus said here on Wednesday.
In addition to lowering prices, the government has also streamlined the administrative process of fertilizer management by reducing bureaucratic layers in the distribution chain.
This effort is expected to accelerate services and simplify the delivery of subsidized fertilizers to various regions.
Adrianus noted that lengthy bureaucracy has often caused delays in fertilizer availability at kiosks, which can lead to crop failures, particularly in rain-fed rice fields that depend heavily on seasonal weather conditions.
With the current improvements in the distribution system, farmers are expected to receive fertilizers more efficiently and on time.
He further added that the government’s commitment goes beyond just reducing prices. It also includes increasing the volume of subsidized fertilizers by around 700,000 tons through 2029.
Adrianus considered this a long-term strategic step that will directly enhance productivity and improve the welfare of farming families.
Earlier, the government officially announced a 20 percent reduction in subsidized fertilizer prices, effective Wednesday.
The policy marks a major breakthrough in the second year of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
Minister of Agriculture and Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Andi Amran Sulaiman, described the policy as a new milestone in the nation’s fertilizer history.
He highlighted that for decades, fertilizer prices had consistently increased every year or two, but this time, the price has successfully been lowered thanks to budget efficiency initiatives introduced by President Prabowo Subianto.
