The Essence of the Implementation of Subsidized Fertilizer Distribution Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Trade in the Jurisdiction of South Sulawesi

The distribution of subsidized fertilizers in the jurisdiction of South Sulawesi is a strategic effort by the government to increase agricultural productivity and national food security in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Trade Number 17/M-DAG/PER/6/2011 Article 2 concerning the Procurement and Distribution of Subsidized Fertilizers for the Agricultural Sector. This research aims to evaluate the implementation of the policy and identify the obstacles faced in the field. Based on the analysis, it was found that the implementation of subsidized fertilizer distribution experienced various problems, including delays and irregularities in distribution, quota deviations by farmers and distributors, and lack of understanding of farmers' procedures. Factors affecting these constraints include ineffective coordination and communication, poor logistics infrastructure, and weak supervision and law enforcement. To overcome this problem, it is suggested that there should be improvements in coordination between parties, improvement of logistics infrastructure, strengthening supervision and law enforcement, as well as intensive socialization and the use of information technology in distribution monitoring. With these steps, it is hoped that the policy goals of subsidized fertilizer distribution can be optimally achieved, support agricultural productivity, and ensure national food security.