Jakarta. State fertilizer maker Pupuk Indonesia expressed its support for President Prabowo Subianto's decision to slash the ceiling retail price of subsidized fertilizers. 

"This shows the government's commitment to the farmers. In line with the government, we are always committed to prioritizing the interests of the farmers as the spearhead of the national food security," Pupuk Indonesia's president director Rahmad Pribadi was quoted as saying in a press statement.

According to Rahmad, the freshly announced policy will not only make fertilizers more affordable, but also boost farmers' purchasing power. This will also facilitate farmers' access to fertilizers and boost national agricultural productivity. 

Pupuk Indonesia is coordinating with relevant ministries and institutions to ensure this policy is implemented according to regulations. The company will spread the word about the new prices to the recipients at the delivery points. As of Oct. 22, the national subsidized fertilizer stock will reach 1,101,807 tons, enough to meet subsidized fertilizer needs until the end of the year.

"We ensure that the company's business processes continue to operate normally. Fertilizer supply and distribution remain secure throughout all regions so that this policy can be implemented effectively and provide real benefits to farmers throughout Indonesia," he said.

Pupuk Indonesia said that it was ready to oversee government policies by making sure that the entire fertilizer distribution process runs smoothly, orderly, transparently, and on-target. The company is keeping an eye on the distribution via the so-called i-Pubers digital system and command center that allows real-time monitoring of stock, distribution, and redemption transactions throughout Indonesia.

According to Pupuk Indonesia, the lower ceiling price for subsidized fertilizers align with the government's commitment to revitalize national fertilizer factories, most of which have been operating for decades.

The price ranges between Rp 1,800 ($0.11) and Rp 2,640 ($0.16). The following is the updated ceiling price of subsidized fertilizers:

* Urea Fertilizer: Rp 1,800/kg or Rp 90,000 per 50-kg sack
* NPK Fertilizer: Rp 1,840/kg or Rp 92,000 per 50-kg sack
* NPK Fertilizer for Cocoa: Rp 2,640/kg or IDR 132,000 per 50-kg sack
* ZA Fertilizer: Rp 1,360/kg or Rp 68,000 per sack 50 kg
* Organic Fertilizer: Rp 640/kg or Rp 25,600 per 40 kg sack.