Amran Threatens to Dismiss Managers Obstructing Fertilizer Distribution
The Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, has threatened to dismiss managers who make the distribution of fertiliser to farmers difficult. Amran emphasised that available fertiliser must be distributed to farmers and must not be sold at improper prices.
The warning was issued after a student from the Muhammadiyah University of Riau (UMRI) complained about the difficulty of obtaining fertiliser to support vegetable farming activities in Kampar Regency, Rises. The complaint was made following Amran’s public lecture during the New Student Campus Life Introduction (PKKMB) and MASTA UMRI in Pekanbaru.
“Those who were selling fertiliser at inflated prices yesterday, or those who refused to provide fertiliser, and those managers acting recklessly—I will give them the ‘gift’ of being dismissed on the spot,” stated the official, who also serves as the Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), in a written statement received on Friday (18/9/2026).
The student reported difficulties in securing fertiliser, particularly when vegetable crops required large quantities. This situation is compounded by agricultural challenges in Kampar, including flooding that can impact farming yields.
Upon hearing the complaint, Amran immediately enquired about the location of the student’s farming activities. After learning it was located in Kampar Regency, he ensured that the fertiliser requirements would be addressed promptly. “God willing, the fertiliser will certainly be sent,” he said.
Amran then instructed the student to coordinate directly with the officials in charge of fertiliser distribution. He also requested the student’s contact number to ensure that the field requirements are followed up immediately. “Okay. The fertiliser will be secured. Take this mobile number,” the Minister said.
Amran emphasised that the government must be present to provide services when the public raises issues in the field. According to him, students entering the agricultural sector also need support to develop their businesses and become part of the regeneration of farmers.
“It is not allowed. We are servants of the people. We are servants of the students. My life and soul are for the people of Indonesia, for the students of Indonesia,” Amran stated.
Amran also encouraged the student to continue their agricultural activities. He noted that the agricultural sector offers significant economic opportunities for the younger generation, allowing the farming profession to be developed through an entrepreneurial approach.
This encouragement was shared while Amran enquired about the student’s readiness to become a farmer. The student expressed readiness, prompting Amran to describe young farmers as entrepreneurs who can develop the agricultural sector independently.
In response, Amran emphasised that fertiliser distribution must proceed according to the needs of farmers. He also ensured that field issues must be addressed immediately so that fertiliser distribution obstacles do not hinder agricultural enterprises.