PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — The Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, has officially revoked the licenses of 190 fertilizer retailers and distributors found guilty of violating the government’s maximum retail price (HET) policy. The Minister firmly stated that there will be zero tolerance for those who manipulate fertilizer prices and harm farmers.
“Today, through Pupuk Indonesia, we have revoked the licenses of 190 retailers and distributors who refused to lower fertilizer prices as mandated by the government. There will be no tolerance for anyone who plays games with this policy,” said Minister Amran during a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters in Jakarta, Friday (October 31, 2025).
According to Minister Amran, the firm action follows surprise inspections and field checks in several regions, including Lampung, Maluku, and Sulawesi. The government, he said, will continue strengthening price supervision across the country in line with the recently announced fertilizer price reductions.
Also Read:
“For too long, our farmers have been exploited by these so-called ‘fertilizer mafias’. Now it’s time to fight back. The state must side with the farmers. We will protect 160 million farmers from unfair practices that only benefit a few,” he asserted, quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from the Ministry of Agriculture website.
The Minister also made it clear that the penalized retailers and distributors will no longer be allowed to operate in the future.
“Today, their licenses are revoked permanently—no second chances. We will not forgive such exploitative practices. This kind of misconduct must be eradicated,” he emphasized.
In addition to sanctioning retailers and distributors, Minister Amran issued a stern warning to all Pupuk Indonesia regional managers to ensure strict supervision and enforcement of the HET policy.
“All managers and general managers in each region must take this seriously. If they fail to oversee compliance or neglect their farmers, they will be evaluated and, if necessary, removed from their positions,” he warned.
Also Read: Indonesia Tightens Palm Oil Seed Control to Safeguard Sustainability and Farmer Welfare
To strengthen fertilizer distribution, the Ministry of Agriculture will involve Kopdes Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in handling subsidized fertilizer delivery.
“We have coordinated with the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs—Kopdes Merah Putih will take part in fertilizer distribution,” Amran explained.
To ensure effective monitoring, Minister Amran also opened a direct complaint channel for farmers and the public to report any irregularities, including price violations, agricultural equipment misuse, or counterfeit fertilizers.
Reports can be sent via WhatsApp to ‘Lapor Pak Amran’ at 082311109390.
“Please report any retailers or distributors who fail to reduce fertilizer prices by 20 percent. Every report will be followed up immediately, and the reporter’s identity will remain confidential. Those who report are true heroes of food security,” he concluded. (P3)
