Indonesia seeks stronger potash fertilizer ties with Belarus

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono expressed hope that cooperation with Belarus on potash fertilizer could be further strengthened to support the government's program to ensure food security in Indonesia.

Sugiono conveyed this hope during a courtesy visit from Ambassador of Belarus to Indonesia Raman Ramanouski on Thursday (June 5), according to a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta, Friday.

Belarus is recognized as one of the world's largest exporters of potash fertilizer, which reinforces its significant role in the world fertilizer supply chain.

In terms of trade, the two countries saw a substantial increase in trade value in 2024, rising by 44.1 percent compared to the previous year, reaching US$128.4 million (equivalent to Rp2 trillion).

Of the total trade, Indonesia's export value was recorded at US$43.6 million (equivalent to Rp708 billion), representing a 22.5 percent increase.

Indonesia is therefore optimistic about further expanding its exports to Belarus, as positive trade relations with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member could open up opportunities for broader economic engagement in the Eurasian region.

Additionally, the minister invited the Belarusian ambassador to collaborate in expanding market access and business contacts between the two countries and to support the completion of the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement.

In addition to discussing bilateral issues, Sugiono and Ramanouski also exchanged views on the current global situation and multilateral issues of shared interest.

Potash is a general term for various types of potassium fertilizers, especially those in the form of potassium chloride or potassium sulfate salts.

The term originates from the old method of producing potassium, which involves boiling wood ash in large pots (pot-ash) to extract potassium.

Potash fertilizer is a vital source of potassium for agriculture, as potassium is an important nutrient for plants that can help improve harvest quality, water retention, and plant flavor.