For The Sake Of Farmers, The Ministry Of Agriculture Disbands Thousands Of Naughty Pupuk Kiosks That Lose Billions Of Rupiah Farmers

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that the government has revoked the permit of 2,039 kiosks, distributors, and subsidized fertilizer retailers who have been proven to have committed violations as a firm step to protect the interests of farmers throughout Indonesia.

"There are complaints from farmers throughout Indonesia, we found 2,039 kiosks, distributors, retailers who have problems. Today we announce that the permit has been revoked," Amran said at a press conference in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, October 13.

The revocation of permits was carried out after the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) team found various violations, especially the increase in the price of NPK and urea subsidy fertilizers by 18'20 percent from the highest retail price (HET).

Our friends sent a silent team to the field. We found the price went up right away, the purchase of fertilizers was not appropriate, and we collected all the evidence," he said.

The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that the fraudulent practice will cause losses of up to Rp600 billion per year. If left for a decade, the potential loss of farmers could reach Rp6 trillion.

According to Amran, this firm action is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's direction so that the agricultural production facilities sector is free from manipulation practices that harm farmers as the spearhead of national food security.

Although the permits for thousands of kiosks were revoked, the government ensured that the distribution of fertilizers remained safe. All farmer needs have been carefully calculated, especially ahead of the peak planting period from December to January.

"If someone feels right, please clarify with Pupuk Indonesia's directors. But today we will withdraw, because this is an old game and cannot be tolerated anymore," said Amran.

As a further step, the Ministry of Agriculture has prepared to replace problematic kiosks with new partners who are more professional, including involving the Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) so that the fertilizer distribution chain becomes shorter and more efficient.

Amran added that the improvement in fertilizer management is intended so that subsidies are more targeted, farmers' welfare increases, and national productivity is encouraged towards sustainable food independence and self-sufficiency.

With a total fertilizer stock of 9.5 million tons and 5.9 million tons of which have been distributed, the government is optimistic that this new distribution system will strengthen national food security.