Indonesia Exports Urea to Australia: Albanese Applauds Prabowo’s Initiative On April 21, 2026, President Prabowo Subianto received a phone call from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during which Albanese expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s decision to begin exporting urea fertilizer to Australia. The initial shipment totals 250,000 tons, marking the first phase of a broader cooperation plan between the two nations. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed in a written statement that Albanese praised Prabowo’s approval of the export, highlighting its importance amid global commodity market uncertainties. The move strengthens bilateral supply cooperation and supports Australia’s agricultural needs. Beyond Australia, Indonesia plans to expand urea fertilizer exports to India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Brazil. According to Wijaya, these additional shipments will bring Indonesia’s total export commitment to approximately 1 million tons. This expansion reflects Indonesia’s growing role in the global fertilizer supply chain, leveraging its robust production capacity. Data from the Agriculture Ministry indicates that Indonesia’s national urea production stands at 7.8 million tons annually, while domestic demand is approximately 6.3 million tons. This surplus enables the country to meet international obligations without compromising local supply. The government emphasized that the export policy is being implemented in a measured manner to ensure domestic availability remains balanced. The initiative underscores Indonesia’s strategic position as a key regional supplier and reinforces economic ties with Australia. Both leaders similarly discussed broader supply chain resilience, particularly in relation to essential goods and energy, amid ongoing geopolitical developments in regions such as the Middle East. As global fertilizer demand fluctuates, Indonesia’s proactive approach positions it as a reliable partner in maintaining stable agricultural supply chains. The initial export to Australia serves as a foundation for expanded cooperation, with further details on timelines and logistics expected to be finalized in upcoming bilateral discussions.
35