Bengkulu, May 2, 2026 – Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Zulkifli Hasan, directly ensured that subsidized fertilizer distribution in Bengkulu has been running smoothly. Minister Zulhas held a dialogue with farmers to assess field conditions during the “Rembuk Tani” event in Bengkulu City on Friday (May 1, 2026).

Before hundreds of attending farmers, Minister Zulhas asked about the distribution of subsidized fertilizers, and the farmers collectively stated that fertilizer distribution is currently running smoothly.

“In the past, fertilizers arrived only after harvest season. Now distribution is smooth, and fertilizers are already available before planting begins. This is the directive of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto,” said Minister Zulhas.

He emphasized that the government has a strong commitment to supporting domestic farmers. According to him, the President has instructed that all food-related policies must be directed toward providing the greatest possible benefits for Indonesian farmers.

According to Minister Zulhas, improvements in subsidized fertilizer distribution governance, along with support from various stakeholders, have had a tangible impact on increasing national agricultural production. This is reflected in Indonesia’s achievement in halting rice imports.

“Thank God, due to smooth fertilizer distribution and support from all stakeholders, in 2025 we no longer imported rice. In fact, we recorded a surplus of around 4.2 million tons,” he stated.

He added that the policy of halting rice imports while maintaining favorable grain prices has directly benefited domestic farmers.

“When we no longer import rice and grain prices remain favorable, Indonesian farmers are the ones who benefit. Therefore, farmers’ welfare must continue to improve every year,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Supply Chain Director of PT Pupuk Indonesia, Robby Setiabudi Madjid, expressed appreciation for the government’s support toward Pupuk Indonesia’s efforts to distribute subsidized fertilizers more efficiently. According to him, the various conveniences introduced by the government for farmers have made subsidized fertilizer absorption more optimal.

Specifically for Bengkulu, he added, the government allocated 75,986 tons of subsidized fertilizers for 2026. This allocation consists of 22,473 tons of Urea, 41,080 tons of NPK Phonska, 3 tons of Special NPK for Cocoa, 12,412 tons of Petroganik organic fertilizer, and 18 tons of SP-36 fertilizer.

Meanwhile, fertilizer redemption by farmers in Bengkulu at the beginning of this year has been relatively high, reaching 24,236 tons. Distribution realization during April 2026 alone accounted for approximately 32 percent of the total allocation.

“Absorption at the beginning of this year has been quite high. This is inseparable from the conveniences introduced by the government through improvements in subsidized fertilizer distribution governance,” Robby emphasized.

To support more optimal absorption, Pupuk Indonesia has also prepared 2,613 tons of subsidized fertilizer stock in Bengkulu. As of April 30, 2026, the stock consisted of 1,141 tons of Urea, 1,425 tons of NPK Phonska, and 47 tons of organic fertilizer.

One of the farmers attending the “Rembuk Tani” event, Herman Agustin, confirmed that subsidized fertilizer distribution has been running smoothly. Subsidized fertilizers can now be redeemed from the beginning of the year or immediately after the year transition. Whenever farmers need fertilizers, the products are already available at kiosks or Penerima Pupuk pada Titik Serah (PPTS).

“Fertilizer distribution is smooth, and grain prices are also favorable. Next, we hope the government will improve irrigation channels that have not been repaired for a long time,” he said.