Jakarta. Indonesia’s state-owned fertilizer holding Pupuk Indonesia, Malaysia’s Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad, and Brunei Fertilizer Industries have officially established the Southeast Asia Fertilizer Association (SEAFA), marking a new phase of regional industrial cooperation.

The association aims to strengthen collaboration among fertilizer producers across ASEAN to safeguard food security while enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness.

Pupuk Indonesia President Director Rahmad Pribadi said the formation of SEAFA represents a strategic response to increasingly complex challenges facing the agricultural sector, rather than a symbolic initiative.

“Food security challenges are becoming more complex and require stronger collaboration,” Rahmad said in a statement on Monday.

He noted that rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have disrupted global energy supply chains and, by extension, the agricultural sector. In this context, regional coordination is critical to ensuring stable fertilizer availability.

“We must remain adaptive to ensure supply is maintained and food security is not disrupted,” he added.

Domestically, SEAFA is expected to create opportunities for Indonesia to expand access to technology, boost production capacity, and strengthen its national fertilizer supply chain.

At its initial stage, SEAFA comprises Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Pupuk Indonesia has been appointed as the association’s inaugural chairman, with Petronas Chemicals Group serving as co-chairman. The secretariat will be based in Brunei.

Looking ahead, SEAFA is expected to serve as a strategic platform for industry collaboration, including the development of low-carbon technologies, sustainable production practices, and supply chain digitalization. The association also aims to represent the region in global discussions on food security and climate change.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation in maintaining food security amid global uncertainty.

“Fertilizer is not merely an industrial matter — it is directly linked to food security. Therefore, international collaboration is essential; no country can address these challenges alone,” Sudaryono said.