President says many countries seek Indonesia's fertilizer supply

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto said that many countries have requested assistance with fertilizer supplies from Indonesia amid the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global energy and fertilizer raw material distribution.

"Reports from the Minister of Agriculture informed that many countries are requesting fertilizer from Indonesia. We are not euphoric, we are not arrogant, but we are now on the side that can provide assistance," he remarked in Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday.

According to Prabowo, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict in the Middle East has affected global energy supplies, as around 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments pass through the route. This situation has also disrupted the production of oil- and gas-based fertilizers, including urea.

Prabowo noted that countries including Australia, the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, and Brazil, have requested fertilizer supplies from Indonesia.

"Australia has asked for our help. We sell 500,000 tons of urea to Australia. The Philippines, India, Bangladesh, and Brazil have also requested our help. My instruction is to help everyone," the president pointed out.

In addition to fertilizer, many countries have also expressed interest in purchasing rice from Indonesia.

Prabowo said the growing demand reflects Indonesia’s success in achieving food self-sufficiency and improving its agricultural sector.

He also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the agricultural sector, including Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman and his staff.

During his visit to Nganjuk on Saturday, the head of state inaugurated the Marsinah Museum and Shelter in Nglundo Village, as a tribute to the labor's struggle and a reminder of the history of the labor movement in Indonesia.

"This morning, Saturday, May 16, I hereby inaugurate the Marsinah Museum and Shelter in Nganjuk District, East Java Province," Prabowo said during the inauguration ceremony.