FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor Leste highlights the publication (©FAO/Harriansyah)

Jakarta, Indonesia - The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Indonesia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and IPB University, recently hosted a landmark event at Menara Thamrin to share vital insights from their joint report analysis, “Indonesia’s agriculture sector performance during the COVID-19 pandemic: Towards a resilient agrifood system”. The gathering, attended by a wide array of media and press representatives, was highlighted by a comprehensive presentation from IPB University.

This event was a crucial recognition of the collaborative efforts between FAO, the MoA, and IPB University in addressing the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. The comprehensive report, prepared through detailed research and analysis, provides an in-depth examination of the agriculture sector's performance during the years of 2020-2022. It methodically documents how the sector navigated through these tumultuous times, highlighting the adaptive strategies implemented, the critical role of policy interventions, and the sector's contributions to maintaining food security under extraordinary circumstances. This analysis is a testament to the sector's capability to manage crises and lays a foundation for informed policymaking.

Providing a historical perspective, Prof. Muhammad Firdaus from IPB University drew parallels between the current resilience of the agricultural sector and Indonesia’s response to previous economic crises. “This report showcases Indonesia’s capacity to withstand economic challenges and is a crucial analytical tool for understanding crisis management”, he observed, emphasising the sector's enduring robustness.

Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative in Indonesia and Timor Leste, commended the Indonesian government’s effective implementation of various social safety net programs, which played a key role in cushioning the pandemic’s impact. “Programs like Jaring Pengaman Sosial were instrumental in mitigating the adverse effects on food security. These initiatives ensured the continuity of the agricultural sector, safeguarding the livelihoods and well-being of millions across the country,” Aryal expressed highlighting the critical role of government intervention during the crisis.
Dr. Ade Candradijaya, Head of the International Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture, reflected on Indonesia’s leadership and advocacy for robust global food systems during its G20 presidency. “Our tenure as G20 president was focused on advocating for developing resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems. This aligns with our strategic objectives in the Agriculture Working Group, emphasising our commitment to global food security and sustainable agricultural practices,” he explained.

This publication serves as a critical milestone in the ongoing journey towards building resilient agrifood systems in Indonesia. The insights and analyses presented challenge stakeholders to contemplate the future trajectory of agrifood systems in the face of global challenges.