Dian Kusumo Hapsari
The government led by Prabowo Subianto has set an ambitious goal to achieve food self-sufficiency to reduce reliance on food imports and ensure food security for Indonesia's growing population.
However, Indonesian farmers often encounter significant challenges in accessing subsidized fertilizers, which are crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity.
Due to misappropriation by intermediaries and local officials, subsidized fertilizers are often diverted from the intended recipients to black markets, where they are sold at higher prices.
Last month, police in Garut district, West Java, seized 25 tons of subsidized fertilizer, which was being illegally hoarded and resold at inflated prices.
Police found the subsidized fertilizer, comprising 232 sacks of urea and 283 sacks of NPK Phonska, during a raid at a warehouse in Cimuncang village.
