EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUBSIDIZED FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTION POLICY UNDER GARUT REGENCY REGULATION NO. 876/2013

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the policy on the distribution of subsidized fertilizers in Garut Regency, as stipulated in Regent Regulation No. 876 of 2013. Fertilizer subsidies play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring national food security; however, their implementation often faces persistent challenges, including unequal distribution, delivery delays, and limited transparency. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach based on William N. Dunn’s policy evaluation framework, which comprises six indicators—effectiveness, efficiency, adequacy, equity, responsiveness, and accuracy—this study provides a comprehensive assessment of policy implementation at the local level. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with farmers, literature review, and documentation. The findings reveal that the fertilizer subsidy policy in Garut Regency has not yet achieved full effectiveness or efficiency. Problems persist, including inaccurate data on fertilizer needs, unequal distribution among farmer groups, and the government’s slow response to farmers’ complaints. The study highlights the urgent need to reform the fertilizer distribution system, strengthen supervision, and involve farmers in planning and evaluation to ensure the fertilizer subsidy policy achieves its intended goals—accuracy, fairness, and sustainability—while delivering optimal benefits to the agricultural sector in Garut Regency.