Ombudsman Reminds Ministry Of Agriculture To Improve Verification Process And Validation Of Subsidized Fertilizer Distribution

The Ombudsman reminded the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) to improve the distribution of subsidized fertilizers. This request arose because of the rejection of distribution due to the constrained verification and validation process.

"The results of this verification based on data from the Indonesian Pupuk Distributor Association (ADPI) have caused a rejection of the distribution of 28.811 tons of subsidized fertilizer with a subsidy value of Rp135.3 billion," said Ombudsman Member Yeka Hendra Fatika in a written statement from the institution's official website quoted on Saturday, November 9.

Yeka said a number of problems related to verval that were found were related to discrepancies in digital signatures, power of attorney, and documentation issues. This has a big impact on distributors and kiosks and affects the availability of subsidized fertilizers.

"So that it interferes with national food security," he said.

The Ombudsman said Yeka had held a meeting with the Marketing Director of PT Pupuk Indonesia, the Head of the Fertilizer Supervision Substance Group and the Treasury Directorate of the Directorate General of Treasury, Ministry of Finance, and the Indonesian Pupuk Distributor Association. This activity was held in Gresik, East Java on October 22.

Then, there is also an agenda for a follow-up meeting with the Directorate General of Prasana and Agricultural Facilities (Ditjen PSP) of the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss various suggestions and solutions that are expected to overcome these verval constraints.

"The Indonesian Ombudsman wants justice for subsidized distributors and fertilizer kiosks, so that the distribution system can be more transparent and on target," said Yeka.

In addition, the Ombudsman suggested revision of technical guidelines for the distribution of subsidized fertilizers, evaluation of power of attorney in a simple format, and the involvement of administrative improvements for distributors and kiosks.

"The Ombudsman will monitor the implementation process of suggestions to ensure the distribution of subsidized fertilizers runs optimally without administrative problems that burden farmers, distributors, and retailers kiosks," he explained.

"Farm interests are a top priority, and a fair and transparent system is the foundation for the success of national food security. The Indonesian Ombudsman will not hesitate to take further steps to ensure the best justice, truth, and service for the community," Yeka concluded.