Pangkas 145 Regulations, Distribution Of Subsidized Fertilizer Directly To Farmers Is Assessed As Accelerating Welfare

Illustration of farmers planting rice. (photo: dock. Ministry of Agriculture)

Jakarta - Public Policy Expert from the National University, Hilmi Rahman, assesses that the policy of distributing subsidized fertilizer directly to farmers is the right step. So far, the distribution of subsidized fertilizers is considered often constrained by complicated and long bureaucracy, which prevents farmers from getting fertilizers in a timely manner and according to their needs.

"This policy is very appropriate because so far the distribution of subsidized fertilizers must go through a long and complicated bureaucracy. With this simplification, the distribution of fertilizers can be faster and on target," Hilmi told reporters in Jakarta, Friday, November 15 afternoon.

Hilmi explained that the fertilizer sector in Indonesia has so far been regulated by many regulations, covering 41 laws, 23 government regulations, and 6 presidential regulations (Perpres) and presidential instructions (Inpres). According to him, simplifying this rule can accelerate access to fertilizers for farmers and be an effective solution in overcoming distribution constraints.

In addition, Hilmi said this policy also shows President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to improving farmers' welfare and accelerating the achievement of the national food self-sufficiency program. "This policy further confirms President Prabowo's commitment to the welfare of our farmers. Therefore, I hope that the Presidential Regulation on the distribution of subsidized fertilizers can be issued soon because farmers are highly anticipated," he said.

Previously, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan), Sudaryono, said that the government plans to cut 145 regulations related to the distribution of subsidized fertilizers. This step was taken as part of the government's efforts to improve the welfare of farmers and cut the distribution chain which has been hampering the process of distributing fertilizers.

"This is a form of President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to improving the welfare of farmers, especially in the food security sector. One way to do this is to ensure the distribution of subsidized fertilizer directly to farmers and cut the complicated distribution chain," said Sudaryono in his statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 12.

In the planned new system, fertilizer distribution no longer requires a Decree (SK) from the regional head, but enough with a decree from the Ministry of Agriculture. Thus, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) as the distributor can directly distribute fertilizer to the Farmers Group Association (Gapoktan).

"By cutting this regulation, the distribution process will be more effective and efficient. Hopefully, farmers can receive subsidized fertilizers more quickly so as to support agricultural productivity and national food security," concluded Sudaryono.

This policy is expected to have a significant direct impact on increasing national food production, while strengthening the welfare of farmers.