Indonesian Food Trade Policy during COVID-19
Authors
Felippa Amanta
Ira Aprilianti
Indonesia’s food security is getting precarious. As COVID-19 spreads, supply chains are being significantly disrupted and is slowing down Indonesia's agricultural production and distribution. Indonesia’s poor are being hit hard and are seeing rising food prices, loss of income and unemployment.
Moreover, Ministry of Trade regulations require importers to state the country of origin when applying for permits. Therefore, importers cannot flexibly find new supplies when export countries close their border during Covid-19. This exacerbates food security risks, causes shortages, and increases prices in Indonesia.
CIPS’ Indonesian Food Trade Policy during COVID-19 Policy Brief outlines three possible trade policy scenarios and their likely consequences on Indonesia’s food prices. It includes four policy recommendations to Indonesian policymakers that aim to ensure Indonesians remain food secure during and beyond COVID-19.
