Subsidized Fertilizer Distribution Through Ibn Ashur’s Maslahah Perspective In North Sumatra

Abstract

Subsidized fertilizer distribution plays a strategic role in supporting agricultural productivity and national food security in Indonesia. Despite continuous improvements in fertilizer distribution management, challenges related to regional disparities, distribution effectiveness, and equitable access remain significant. While previous studies have primarily examined fertilizer distribution from technical, managerial, and administrative perspectives, limited attention has been given to evaluating its effectiveness through Ibn Ashur's concept of al-maslahah al-'ammah. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the distribution of subsidized fertilizers at PT Pupuk Indonesia Regional 1A North Sumatra from the perspective of maslahah. This study employed a qualitative field research design using semi-structured interviews, field observations, and document analysis involving four officially appointed fertilizer distributors selected through purposive sampling. The findings indicate that subsidized fertilizer distribution is supported by a structured supply chain and digital governance through the e-RDKK and Web Customer Management (WCM) systems. However, regional disparities, together with interconnected financial, administrative, technological, and logistical challenges, reduce distribution effectiveness and limit equitable fertilizer accessibility. From Ibn Ashur's perspective, the distribution system has partially realized al-maslahah al-'ammah by promoting agricultural productivity and public welfare, although the principles of justice, equality, and social order have not yet been fully achieved. This study extends the application of Ibn Ashur's maslahah framework to the evaluation of agricultural distribution policy and provides practical implications for strengthening digital governance, supply chain resilience, and equitable fertilizer distribution.