Attorney General Ensures Follow Up On Allegations Of Extortion Of Agricultural Equipment And Circulation Of Fake Pupuk Kementan

Attorney General ST Burhanuddin together with Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran at the AGO Building, Monday 16 December 2024 (Rizky AP/VOI)

JAKARTA Attorney General, ST Burhanuddin, emphasized that his party will follow up on reports from the Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman regarding allegations of illegal levies (extortion) in the distribution of agricultural tools and machinery as well as the circulation of counterfeit fertilizers. In his statement, Burhanuddin said that the first step taken was to collect evidence and instructions to strengthen the reports received.

"Yes, we will collect the data first because this has just entered. He (the Minister of Agriculture) also just got it earlier. We will develop and investigate further," Burhanuddin told reporters at the Attorney General's Office, Monday, December 16.

Burhanuddin emphasized that law enforcement against this case would be carried out without discrimination. All parties proven to be involved will be prosecuted, without exception.

"Definitely, for sure. You know who I am, I will not indiscriminately anyone (who is involved will be prosecuted)," he said.

Coordination between the Attorney General and the Minister of Agriculture took place at the Attorney General's Office to discuss in more detail the alleged extortion case and the circulation of counterfeit fertilizers.

After the meeting, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman explained the mode of extortion that occurred in the distribution of agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan). Based on reports received, extortion is carried out by certain individuals who ask for fees from farmers who should receive equipment for free.

"We have received complaints from several regions, although no evidence has been sent directly. The report states that agricultural machine tools that we distribute to farmers are sometimes asked for a fee by certain individuals," said the Minister of Agriculture.

The value of the demanded extortion varies, ranging from Rp. 3 million for small equipment to Rp. 50 million per unit for larger equipment.

In fact, these agricultural tools and machinery are distributed free of charge to farmers, according to President Prabowo Subianto's direction, to accelerate food self-sufficiency. The budget allocation for agricultural equipment reaches IDR 10-15 trillion every year.

Apart from extortion, the Minister of Agriculture also highlighted the circulation of counterfeit fertilizers that are very detrimental to farmers. Based on data from the Ministry of Agriculture, there are 27 companies suspected of being involved in this case. Of these, four companies have been prosecuted, while the other 23 sell fertilizers that do not comply with the established standards.

"There is fake fertilizer, this is very disturbing for our farmers. Of the 27 companies suspected of being involved, we have handed over four to law enforcement," said Amran.

This practice is not only financially detrimental but also has a direct impact on farmer productivity. The total loss caused by the circulation of counterfeit fertilizers is estimated at IDR 3.2 trillion, with a detrimental impact of around 100 thousand farmers and their families, or equivalent to 400 thousand people.

"This fake fertilizer is very suffering for our farmers. It is not only a matter of state losses, but also detrimental to the families of farmers who depend on the agricultural sector," he added.

The Minister of Agriculture also revealed that he had removed 11 officials at the Ministry of Agriculture who were involved in the procurement of counterfeit fertilizers and extortion practices. These officials include directors, echelon II and III officials, to staff in charge of the procurement auction process.

"We apologize, we have taken action by disabling 11 people starting today. We do not want tolerance for those who abuse their authority," he said.

Burhanuddin and Amran agreed that coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Attorney General's Office is very important to ensure that the distribution of equipment and fertilizer is right on target. Supervision will also be tightened to prevent the recurrence of similar cases.

"Agriculture and fertilizer are important components to support the food self-sufficiency program launched by the President. Therefore, we must not allow this act that harms farmers to continue," concluded Amran.

With the synergy between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Attorney General's Office, it is hoped that all parties involved in extortion and the circulation of counterfeit fertilizers can be dealt with immediately. This step is important to protect farmers and support the success of the Indonesian agricultural sector in achieving the food self-sufficiency target.