InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Pupuk Kaltim) and the Ministry of Agriculture have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining national fertilizer availability as a crucial foundation for achieving food self-sufficiency. This aligns with the Asta Cita strategic agenda of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's administration.
The statement emerged during a discussion organized by the Agricultural Journalists Forum (Forwatan) on the topic of "Ensuring Fertilizer Availability, Upholding Food Self-Sufficiency" at the Ministry of Agriculture Building, attended by InfoSAWIT in Jakarta on Tuesday (26/8).
Pupuk Kaltim CEO, Gusrizal, explained that as of the first half of 2025, production had reached 3.5 million tons, or 54.5% of the annual target of 6.43 million tons. This production included 1.86 million tons of urea, 149,000 tons of NPK, and 1.49 million tons of ammonia. Meanwhile, the distribution of subsidized fertilizer was recorded at 500,000 tons, which was channeled to Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Nusa Tenggara.
“We are optimistic that this year's production target will be met. This is clear evidence of Pupuk Kaltim’s contribution to supporting national food self-sufficiency,” Gusrizal said.
From the government's side, Head of the Subsidized Fertilizer Working Group for the Directorate General of PSP at Kementan, Sry Pujiati, confirmed that the 2025 subsidized fertilizer stock is secure. This year, 9.55 million tons valued at Rp44 trillion have been allocated for 14.9 million recipient farmers. As of August 25, distribution has reached 4.8 million tons, or about 59%. “The issue of fertilizer scarcity is not true. Stock is available; distribution is just done in stages. The e-RDKK system is also continuously being improved to be more transparent and targeted,” she stated.
However, farmers believe challenges still exist. The Deputy Secretary-General of the National Farmers and Fishermen Alliance (KTNA), Zulharman Djusman, highlighted bureaucratic hurdles in fertilizer distribution, the limited number of extension workers, and a lack of digital access in rural areas. “The socialization of e-RDKK must be strengthened. Many farmers face difficulties due to limited infrastructure and technology,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Irrigated and Swampland Rice Substance Group at the Directorate of Cereals, Mochamad Nurhidayat, emphasized that the strategy to increase food production also includes expanding planting areas, optimizing land, using superior seeds, mechanization, and utilizing organic fertilizers.
“The government is here to ensure that fertilizer is available, food production increases, and farmers are protected. With the synergy between the government, state-owned enterprises, and farmers, we are optimistic that food self-sufficiency can be realized,” he concluded. (T2)
