Academics On The Appointment Value Of The Deputy Minister At PIHC Strengthen The Food Sector

JAKARTA - National University Public Policy Lecturer Hilmi Rahman assessed that the appointment of Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono as President Commissioner of PT Pupuk Indonesia Holding Company (PIHC) has the potential to strengthen the food sector through synchronizing agricultural policies and distributing fertilizers to farmers.

"Sudaryono's assignment as a Komut Pupuk Indonesia is very appropriate and we have to support him. Because he is a working person. With his background at the Ministry of Agriculture, he has a strong understanding of the real needs and problems of farmers. I am sure, if managed properly, farmers can really be 'happy'," Hilmi said as quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, June 22.

He considered that the appointment was the right step and would bring fresh air to the national agricultural sector, especially for farmers.

According to Hilmi, integration between agricultural policies and fertilizer distribution management is needed. So far, the distribution of subsidized fertilizers often faces classic problems such as scarcity, inaccuracy of targets, and delays in delivery in the planting season.

With his new position, Hilmi hopes that Sudaryono will be able to integrate two important functions, namely strengthening food policies and strengthening the availability and distribution of fertilizers.

"By placing him at PT Pupuk Indonesia, it is hoped that there will be no more scarcity of fertilizers. Because he can carry out two control functions, namely policy and distribution," he added.

He also emphasized the importance of the role of PT Pupuk Indonesia as a state-owned company in supporting the government's strategic mission, especially in terms of national food security and availability.

PT Pupuk Indonesia has a high popularity dimension. Because this is a state-owned enterprise, it must make a real contribution to food availability, which is part of the President's main ideals and Asta Cita," he said.

"The placement of Deputy Minister Sudaryono is not only because of his position, but because of his strategic function in bringing policy direction closer and agricultural production base," added Hilmi.

In addition, he also highlighted Sudaryono's track record while serving as Chairman of the Bulog Corporation Supervisory Board, where he was considered successful in encouraging constructive policy measures.

"I see that he is very contributive, both at the Ministry of Agriculture and at Bulog. I hope that success in Bulog can be continued at PT Pupuk Indonesia," said Hilmi.

Previously, Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan) Sudaryono admitted that he had been appointed as President Commissioner of PT Pupuk Indonesia through the General Meeting of Shareholders (GMS) which took place on Monday, June 16.

Sudaryono said the appointment was a form of assignment, after previously being trusted as Chairman of the Bulog Corporation Supervisory Board, especially in strengthening government rice reserves (CBP).

"It's been (received a decree). Yes, that's an assignment, yes, that means yesterday I was assigned to Bulog, with the aim of eliminating Bulog's performance," said Deputy Minister Sudaryono when he received a visit from the Dutch Delegation at the Ministry of Agriculture Office in Jakarta, Tuesday 17 June.