Food security policy in indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A sustainability governance perspective

Abstract

Background: Food security is a multidimensional concept that encompasses availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability, and has become a central concern in global and national development agendas. The COVID-19 pandemic posed serious challenges to all subsystems of food security, particularly in Indonesia, where food vulnerability remains a persistent issue. Methods: This study aims to analyze the Indonesian government's food security policies during the COVID-19 pandemic by adopting a qualitative descriptive method through document analysis. Data were collected from various government regulations, official reports, and relevant scholarly literature issued between February 2020 and March 2021. Content and policy analysis techniques were used to examine how national-level policies addressed the four dimensions of food security under the stress of a public health crisis. Findings: The findings show that although Indonesia initially exhibited hesitation in implementing crisis response measures, it eventually issued key fiscal, health, and social protection policies that prioritized food access and distribution. Policies such as the reallocation of national budgets, logistics protocols for food distribution, and emergency cash assistance were instrumental in preventing widespread food insecurity. The study highlights that while food availability was relatively maintained, access and utilization remained fragile, especially among vulnerable populations. The integration of logistical sterilization procedures and protective equipment for food supply chain workers was also found to be an innovative measure during this period. Conclusion: The Indonesian government’s policy response played a significant role in stabilizing food security during the pandemic, yet gaps in accessibility and sustainability persisted. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study lies in its comprehensive use of policy documents to trace the government's real-time adaptation to a non-natural disaster, offering valuable insights into food system resilience under compounded crises. This analysis contributes to the broader discourse on food security policy by emphasizing the importance of preparedness, coordination, and sustainability in future emergency responses.