COVID-19, food security and trade: The case of Indonesia

Food security has long been a contentious issue in Indonesia. As the country has graduated into the upper middle income group it still has to deal with ensuring people’s access to food. The self-sufficiency ambition exacerbates this situation, as policies taken are often protectionist in nature, resulting in high domestic prices and thus hurting the poor, whose access to affordable food deteriorates. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic may further amplify food insecurity, leading to chronic hunger and lasting developmental challenges. We discuss the impact of the pandemic on Indonesia’s food security by examining the global and regional food trade along with Indonesia’s domestic food policies. We argue that the COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability in Indonesia’s food systems, especially in terms of declining production trends, inadequate distribution capacity and trade limitations. Needed reforms include inviting more investment, supporting diversification of food supply, easing food trade flows and working with other countries to ensure regional food security.