Indonesia is exploring fertilizer export opportunities with several countries, including India and Bangladesh, as it seeks to utilize surplus domestic production and support regional supply chains amid global market uncertainties.
Speaking after a ceremony marking the arrival of 47,250 tonnes of Indonesian fertilizer at Australia’s Port of Brisbane on Monday, Rahmad Pribadi, President Director of PT Pupuk Indonesia, said discussions are underway with multiple countries interested in importing Indonesian urea fertilizer.
“We have begun trade with Australia and are now in talks with other countries, including Bangladesh, India, and several others in Asia,” Pribadi said.
The negotiations come after the Indonesian government approved the export of excess fertilizer production, reflecting the country’s growing manufacturing capacity.
Pribadi noted that Indonesia’s fertilizer output now exceeds domestic requirements. “Our production capacity currently surpasses the needs of local farmers,” he said, adding that the industry has been structured to accommodate export markets.
However, he emphasized that the government remains committed to safeguarding domestic food security. According to Pribadi, President Prabowo Subianto has directed authorities to ensure sufficient fertilizer supplies for Indonesian farmers before expanding exports.
Once domestic demand is fully met, Indonesia intends to use its surplus production to strengthen fertilizer availability across the region.
“The President’s second directive is that after ensuring adequate national stocks, Indonesia should help partner countries facing fertilizer shortages,” Pribadi said.
Indonesia’s export strategy is expected to align shipments with agricultural planting seasons in destination markets. While current supplies are being directed to Australia during its planting period, exports could shift toward South Asian markets such as India and Bangladesh as their agricultural demand rises.
Indonesia and Australia have already agreed on a government-to-government fertilizer supply arrangement covering 250,000 tonnes of fertilizer.
Pribadi noted that Australia has historically been an important market for Indonesian urea exports, but described the latest shipment as significant because it is backed by a long-term government agreement that offers greater stability amid volatile global fertilizer markets.
The move underscores Indonesia’s growing role as a regional fertilizer supplier at a time when countries are seeking reliable sources of agricultural inputs to bolster food production and supply chain resilience.
