Palembang, May 1, 2026 – PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) has ensured that subsidized fertilizer stocks remain maintained in accordance with government regulations so they can be received by farmers on time. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Zulkifli Hasan, through the “Rembuk Tani” event in Palembang on Friday (May 1, 2026), directly confirmed that subsidized fertilizers had been distributed before the planting season in South Sumatra began.

Minister Zulhas stated that the transformation of subsidized fertilizer distribution governance has had a significant impact. He compared previous conditions with the current situation, where fertilizer absorption has increased considerably. In addition, national agricultural productivity has also improved.

“In the past, subsidized fertilizer allocation was only 6 million tons per year; now it has reached 9.5 million tons. Previously, fertilizers arrived after harvest season, but now fertilizers arrive before planting begins. As a result, our farmers’ production has increased by up to 8 percent,” Minister Zulhas stated.

According to him, these various improvements have also contributed to achievements in the national food sector. He explained that Indonesia has now successfully reduced its dependence on rice imports.

“In 2024, we still imported 4.5 million tons of rice. However, in 2025, we no longer imported rice, and in fact recorded a surplus of around 4.2 million tons,” said Minister Zulhas.

On the same occasion, he also expressed appreciation to PT Pupuk Indonesia. The successful distribution of subsidized fertilizers and the achievement of national food self-sufficiency cannot be separated from the contribution of Pupuk Indonesia.

According to Minister Zulhas, the transformation initiatives carried out by Pupuk Indonesia, particularly the shift in business scheme from cost plus to mark-to-market, have improved the efficiency of Indonesia’s fertilizer industry.

“Thank you to Pupuk Indonesia for transforming the system from cost plus to mark-to-market. This has generated savings of up to 20 percent, enabling fertilizer prices to be reduced by around 20 percent. Over the next five years, these efficiencies will enable the construction of up to seven new plants,” he explained.

This achievement serves as a strong indicator that the transformation of subsidized fertilizer distribution governance can strengthen national food security while improving farmers’ welfare. Through the “Rembuk Tani” event, the government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening coordination among the government, state-owned enterprises, and farmers to ensure fertilizer distribution that is effective, efficient, and well-targeted.

At the same venue, Finance Director of Pupuk Indonesia, Wono Budi Tjahyono, expressed gratitude for the government’s support toward Pupuk Indonesia’s efforts to distribute subsidized fertilizers more efficiently. According to him, the various conveniences provided by the government to farmers have resulted in more optimal subsidized fertilizer absorption.

Specifically for South Sumatra, he added, the government allocated 315,380 tons of subsidized fertilizers for 2026. The allocation consists of 136,404 tons of Urea, 173,889 tons of NPK Phonska, 70 tons of Special NPK for Cocoa, 4,490 tons of Petroganik organic fertilizer, and 527 tons of ZA fertilizer.

Meanwhile, fertilizer redemption by farmers in South Sumatra at the beginning of this year has been relatively high, reaching 129,768 tons. Distribution realization during April 2026 alone reached approximately 41 percent of the total allocation.

“Absorption at the beginning of this year has been quite high. This cannot be separated from the conveniences introduced by the government through changes in subsidized fertilizer distribution governance,” Wono Budi emphasized.

To support more optimal absorption, Pupuk Indonesia has also prepared 7,696 tons of subsidized fertilizer stock in South Sumatra. As of April 30, 2026, the stock consisted of 4,761 tons of Urea, 2,806 tons of NPK Phonska, 25 tons of NPK Cocoa, 10 tons of organic fertilizer, and 93 tons of ZA fertilizer.