Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Economic Dimensions of COVID-19 in Indonesia: Responding to the Crisis |
Editors | Lewis Blane, Firman Witoelar |
Place of Publication | Singapore |
Publisher | ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute |
Pages | 114-133 |
Edition | 1 |
ISBN (Print) | Economic Dimensions |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |