Pupuk Indonesia Initiates Formation of ASEAN Fertiliser Association
PT Pupuk Indonesia, together with Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad and Brunei Fertilizer Industries, has officially formed the Southeast Asia Fertiliser Association (SEAFA). The association was declared as part of the Argus Fertiliser Asia Conference 2026 on Wednesday (1/4), with the aim of strengthening cooperation among fertiliser producers in the ASEAN region while safeguarding regional food security.
The establishment of SEAFA is expected to have a positive impact on the national fertiliser industry, particularly in expanding access to technology, increasing production capacity, and strengthening the supply chain amid global dynamics.
The President Director of Pupuk Indonesia, Rahmad Pribadi, emphasised that this collaboration is a long-term strategic step for the region.
“The formation of SEAFA is not merely a ceremony, but a concrete step to address complex challenges in the agricultural sector and food security through collaboration and shared responsibility,” he stated.
Rahmad assessed that the establishment of this association is also a response to rising global geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which impact the supply chain and energy sector. According to him, regional synergy is necessary so that the fertiliser industry remains adaptive and able to maintain supply availability for the agricultural sector.
In its initial stage, SEAFA was founded by three companies from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. In the organisational structure, Pupuk Indonesia was appointed as the first Chairman, while Petronas Chemicals Group became the Co-Chairman. The main secretariat of the association will be located in Brunei Darussalam, and SEAFA’s leadership will rotate with a one-year term.
Looking ahead, SEAFA is expected to become a strategic platform for sharing knowledge and industry innovations in fertilisers, promoting sustainable production practices, developing low-carbon technologies, and strengthening supply chain digitalisation. Additionally, the association is targeted to represent the Southeast Asian fertiliser industry in regional and international forums related to food security and climate change.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, emphasised the importance of inter-country cooperation in maintaining food security, especially amid global uncertainties.
“Fertiliser is not just an industrial matter, but an important part of food security. Therefore, inter-country collaboration is key and cannot be done independently,” he stated.
In the long term, SEAFA is also open to expanding membership by involving more fertiliser producers from other ASEAN countries, to strengthen the region’s role in maintaining fertiliser supply stability and global food security.