Implementing the Archipelago Insight to Government Apparatus in the Distribution of Rice Commodities Can Improve Food Security

 

1.            Introduction

a.              General

One of the absolute requirements for a state is a sovereign territory, a people, and a recognized government. The basic concept of an archipelagic state lies in the values ​​of the Djuanda Declaration (December 13, 1957).[1] The declaration holds significant strategic value for the Indonesian nation, as it gave birth to the concept of the Archipelago Outlook, which unites the Indonesian archipelago. The Indonesian archipelago is no longer a divider, but a unifying force, viewed as the absolute sovereign territory of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

There are nations that explicitly have a way of viewing their homeland and its environment. This perspective is usually called national insight. For example, England with its nationalistic views "Brittons Rules the Waves". This concept means that the ocean is also part of England.[2]

Several countries lack an archipelagic outlook, such as Thailand, France, Myanmar, and so on. In Indonesia, the concept of Wawasan Nusantara, abbreviated to Wasantara, is fundamentally defined as national insight. Wawasan Nusantara is a concept or teaching believed to be true by all Indonesians.

The basic elements of Wasantara are: container (contour or organization), content, and procedures. From the container and content of Wasantara, it is clear that there are fields of effort to achieve unity and harmony in the following areas: 1) One territorial unity; 2) One national unity; 3) One cultural unity; 4) One economic unity; and 5) One defense and security unity.[3]

Wasantara embodies the philosophy of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution within the concept of nationality. The comprehensiveness and integrity of Wasantara's implementation will be realized through the realization of Indonesia's national resilience, which must continually be enhanced in line with modern and postmodern developments. This national resilience will be enhanced through increased development within the Wasantara corridor.

One way to achieve national resilience is by optimizing the food security sector. Food is a basic necessity. (basic needs) The most basic human right. The sufficiency, accessibility, and quality of food available for consumption by all citizens are a barometer for assessing the nation's resilience to every threat it faces, particularly food security threats. (threat of food)Food shortages will have a wide-ranging impact on various sectors and could lead to national instability.[4]

It's not uncommon for food security issues to become national threats, such as conflicts. Food is a highly sensitive issue for the life of the nation and state. History shows that the fall of the New Order government was not solely due to political chaos. (political turmoil)However, it was also triggered by the scarcity of rice, the people's primary food source. At that time, people were everywhere queuing to receive their rations of rice for the poor (Raskin).

Indonesia is a nation where the majority of its population relies on agriculture, with rice as its staple food. However, farmers in Indonesia are far from economic prosperity. They are considered poor and marginalized. The problems of rice and farmers are an irony for this nation. While Indonesia is considered a rice-producing country, rice imports remain the sole solution to addressing national food shortages. Indonesia is already listed as the world's largest rice importer.[5]

b.             The point dan Objective

The purpose of this essay is to analyze and demonstrate that understanding the implementation of the Indonesian archipelago perspective can serve as a "bulwark" for achieving national food security. The goal is to contribute ideas to relevant institutions and parties regarding national food security. 

c.              Scope and sequence

The scope of writing and studying this essay is limited to discussing the implementation of the Indonesian archipelago perspective to government officials in the distribution of rice commodities in national food defense efforts, with the following writing systematics:

I. Introduction.  

II. Conception and implementation of the archipelago perspective to state apparatus in increasing rice commodities as national food security.

III. The relationship between the implementation of the archipelago perspective and state apparatus in increasing rice commodities as national food security.

IV. Conclusion

 

 

d.      Title Affirmation

In this essay study, the author raises the title "Implementation of the Archipelago Insight to state apparatus: distribution of rice commodities can increase food security." First, the implementation of the Indonesian Archipelago Insight is the implementation or application of the Indonesian Archipelago Insight which must be reflected in the mindset, attitude, and action patterns that always prioritize the interests of the nation and state over personal or group interests. In other words, the Indonesian Archipelago Insight becomes a pattern that underlies the way of thinking, behaving, and acting in order to face various problems concerning life in society, the nation, and the state.[6]

Wan Usman (2001) stated that the implementation of Wasantara is the Indonesian people's perspective on themselves and their homeland as an archipelagic nation with all its diverse aspects of life.[7] According to the National Defense Institute Working Group (Lemhanas 1999), Wasantara is the perspective and attitude of the Indonesian people regarding themselves and their diverse and strategically valuable environment, prioritizing national unity and territorial unity in organizing social, national and state life to achieve national goals.[8]

Secondly,, the explanation of the State Apparatus is explained in Law No. 8 of 1974 concerning the principles of civil service. Referring to the explanation of the law on the principles of civil service, the explanation of the State Apparatus is as follows:

State officials are leaders and members highest or highest state institution as referred to in 1945 Constitution and other State Officials as determined by Constitution.[9]

Civil servants are regulated in Law No. 8 of 1974 Article 1. AW Widjaja (2006) is of the opinion that: "Employees are physical and spiritual (mental and intellectual) workers who are always needed to be one of the main assets in collaborative efforts to achieve certain goals (organization or company)."[10]

Third, food security (food security) is a condition of food availability and sufficiency for everyone at all times and every individual has access to obtain it, both physically and economically.[11] In this sense, food security is linked to 3 (three) main factors, namely: 1) Food sufficiency (food security); 2) Food stability ((food stability); and 3) Access to food (food access).

Meanwhile, the definition of food security according to the implementation of Law Number 7 of 1996 and followed up by Government Regulation Number 68 of 2002: "Food Security is a condition where food is fulfilled for households, which is reflected in the availability of sufficient food, both in quantity and quality, safe, evenly distributed and affordable."[12]

 

2.            Implementation of the Indonesian Archipelago perspective to government officials in the distribution of rice commodities

Food security (food security) seems to be a paradox of the modern world, in terms of percentage there were more food producers in the past than today. This paradox can be clearly seen in many developed countries, one of which is England. The percentage of the agricultural population in England in 1950 was 6% and continued to decline drastically to 2% in 2000, and based on FAO predictions (Food and Agriculture Organisation), the farming population in the UK continued to fall to 1% in 2010. Put simply, around 896,000 farmers would feed at least 60 million people.

National food security does not advocate achieving self-sufficiency in food production, as it relies on existing resources. A country can produce and export high-value agricultural commodities and industrial goods, then purchase these commodities on the international market. Conversely, countries that achieve self-sufficiency in food production at the national level still encounter food insecurity due to barriers to food access and distribution.

The birth of Bulog in 1967, from the beginning was projected to maintain Indonesia's food security through three mechanisms: First, stabilization of rice prices, Secondly,, increasing the welfare of farmers and Third, establishing bilateral relations with ASEAN+3 food-producing countries (Japan, South Korea, and China). Bulog functions as a rice price controller by setting domestic rice prices significantly higher than world rice prices (Alderman & Timmer 1980, Timmer Falcon and Pearson 1983, Timmer 2002). This remained Megawati's policy until 2004 (Timmer 2004).[13]

Rice pricing policy has been the basis of food and rice policy for over 300 years, dating back to the Dutch colonial era. Unfortunately, nature lovers Today's food pricing policy differs markedly from its origins. The Dutch colonial government consistently sought low labor costs for its agricultural investments in the archipelago. Therefore, the basic price of food and rice was consistently kept low, as rice was crucial for public consumption, necessitating a constant low price for this staple food. (Mears and Moeljono 1981: 23-24).[14]

The current Government Purchase Price (HPP) and rice import duty are also inadequate instruments to control falling prices. Moreover, they are touted as instruments to support national food security. This seemingly "simple" policy, in reality, is also ineffective in practice. This is due not only to the government's half-hearted approach to protecting national food prices, but also to the ease with which it can be abused, driven by rent-seeking.rent seeking), which involves many parties, which is shown by the enthusiasm to import rice both legally and illegally.[15]

As a developing country, Indonesia faces serious challenges in food security, particularly rice. During the New Order (Orba) era, Indonesia was once self-sufficient in food. However, Indonesia now imports rice to meet domestic food needs. This is due to slow domestic productivity and the inability to meet its own food needs, coupled with a growing population.

Until now, the national price of rice has increased[16]This could be due to a lack of rice farmers growing rice, or a shortage of rice stocks that must be met by imports. With the decline in rice production, Indonesia is experiencing national food insecurity, particularly with rice reaching 1,1 million tons. In 2011, national rice demand reached 2,5 million tons per month, while rice production was predicted to be only 2 million tons, meaning a supply shortfall of 500 tons that must be met through imports.[17]

Food security requires sufficient food availability for the entire population and every household. This means that every person and household can consume sufficient food in sufficient quantities and with sufficient nutrition. Production issues begin with insufficient food production to meet the population's needs. This is caused by the relatively slower growth rate of food production compared to demand. This problem will impact food availability.

Food availability for the population will become increasingly limited due to the gap between production and demand. Until now, this problem has been addressed by importing food. However, how long will this nation continue to import food from abroad? This will not foster national development. Instead, it will threaten the stability of Indonesia's food security and domestic production.

In the perspective of Wasantara, geographically, +Our 17.000 islands stretch from Sabang to Merauke, from Miangas to Rote Island. We also boast the world's longest oceans and coastlines. Above all, the potential of tropical regions with their abundant natural resources must be managed and utilized, especially to improve national food security.

Indonesia currently has 39% million farmers (BPS: 2012), but the facts from West Nusa Tenggara (which is often known as the rice barn area) and semi-arid areas such as East Nusa Tenggara are actually facing fragile food security, as evidenced by high levels of food shortages and malnutrition.[18]

The problem is not overproduction or surplus, but related to 2 things; firstly,, on impartial policies. In the case of rice, for example, existing policies, particularly trade policies, are not only anomalous but also pro-import. One such anomaly is the policy that consistently uses rice imports as a solution. 

For example, Perum BULOG has targeted domestic rice procurement of 4.100.000 tons in 2012, meaning BULOG will completely stop importing rice. Furthermore, based on data from the Directorate General of Food Crops, during the February-April 2012 period, a bumper harvest resulted in rice production of 28,26 million tons of unhusked rice, with a rice surplus of 4,523 million tons.

However, the government continues to enforce import policies. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), in January, 355,900 tons of rice were imported into Indonesia, valued at US$205,1 million. Meanwhile, in February, 297,400 tons of imported rice, valued at US$154,3 million, entered Indonesia. In March, 117,000 tons of imported rice, valued at US$61,2 million, reached US$1.2 million. Therefore, during the first quarter (January-March), 2012, imported rice The amount of imported rice entering the country has reached 770,3 thousand tons with a value of US$ 420,7 million or Rp. 3,8 trillion.[19]

Secondly,The problem in developing food security is the distribution of food from production centers to consumers within a region. Distribution is the process of transporting food from one location to another, usually from producers to consumers. In terms of food distribution, there are four issues faced: first, infrastructure support, namely the lack of support for access to the construction of roads, bridges and other facilities. Second, means of transportation, namely the lack of government and public attention in maintaining means of transportation. Third, The transportation system is still less effective and efficient. Furthermore, the lack of coordination between each mode of transportation often results in transported food arriving late at its destination. Fourth, security issues and extortion.

Therefore, the role of both central and regional government officials is crucial in achieving food security, although recently there has been a tendency for the private sector and market institutions to become increasingly important. The central government determines the policy direction, strategies, and targets to be achieved toward achieving food security and overall public welfare. The lack of clarity and disconnection between the hierarchical levels of politics-strategy, organization, and implementation significantly impact the progress and quality of food security, which encompasses the dimensions of availability, accessibility, price stability, and utilization of food products in Indonesia.

 

3.            The relationship between the implementation of the Archipelago Insight to government officials in increasing rice commodities and National Food Security

Indonesia has enormous economic potential, as evidenced by its location on the map, which straddles the equator. Furthermore, Indonesia boasts extensive maritime territory. tropical forests large, abundant mining and oil resources, with a fairly large population. Therefore, the implementation of Wasantara must underpin development management in the government sector, agricultureand industry.

Food security is a crucial foundation for building a strong national economy. This is because it directly relates to the quality of human resources, which will ultimately become the driving force of the economy. Furthermore, food security is also closely linked to the creation of national stability, a crucial prerequisite for economic growth. However, the significant annual import of rice has eroded the country's foreign exchange reserves, which in turn has disrupted the national economy.

It is indeed ironic that Indonesia, as a large agricultural country, is experiencing food security issues. To understand why this is so, it is necessary to first understand the main determinants of food security. According to Yustika (2008), when discussing food security, discussions must be linked to rural development and the agricultural sector. These three pillars are: First, land ownership institutions, Second, labor relations institutions, Third, credit institutions. These three pillars are crucial for improving the status of farmers and creating food security.

The above view is not wrong, but can be developed, namely that food security is determined not only by the three pillars but by a number of the following factors: (a) land (or land ownership), (b) infrastructure, (c) technology, expertise and insight, (d) energy, (e) funds (credit aspects), (f) physical environment or climate, (g) work relations and (h) availability of other inputs.

Indonesia's biggest challenge is that it cannot simply ignore global food trade due to its high urbanization rate coupled with high levels of urban poverty, which greatly requires affordable food, unless reliance on domestic food production can guarantee affordable food for the urban poor. But at the same time, it must confront how to protect smallholder farmers and the poor from the impacts of global food trade. The increase in the urban population from 15% in 1950 to 46% in 2003 poses a challenge to meeting urban food security.

Indonesia, with a population of 259 million people, has a very complex problem in meeting national food. Therefore, the issue of national food security has become a central issue in agricultural development.[20] Suryana (2001); with the increase in population, the need for food and increased work for the population to obtain a decent income so that access to food are two main components in realizing national food security.[21]

The dilemma for Indonesia is that farmers do not enjoy a fair basic price for food. Unfortunately, fair prices for farmers are synonymous with rising food prices. Meanwhile, the urban poor, whose population is increasing year after year, actually need affordable food to improve access.

To alleviate poverty and mitigate the impact of the crisis, the government implemented various social safety net programs, including the rice assistance program for the poor (Raskin). This is thought to have been one of the drivers of the increased demand for rice, ultimately driving Indonesia's rice imports during the crisis, peaking in 1999.

Conversely, failure to meet food needs can cause severe shocks that destabilize national stability. Taking the aforementioned considerations and the strategic environment into account, a concept is needed to improve food security to strengthen the national economy, which is expected to make a real contribution to the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. This concept is formulated comprehensively and integrally, through policies as directions and objectives, strategies, and efforts in the form of concrete activity programs to be implemented on the ground.

Food security is experiencing new and increasingly complex dynamics and challenges in line with several changes occurring at the global level and the dynamics of national economic development. The general policy on food security (KUKP 2010-2014), consisting of 15 important elements, is expected to serve as a guide for the government, the private sector, and community elements to jointly realize food security at the household, regional, and national levels. From an economic, political, and social perspective, the Indonesian government's policy is highly strategic, namely the problem of the people's economy – food availability – is a very sensitive matter because if not handled properly, it can cause social and political turmoil that can disrupt national stability.

 

4.            Closing Event

The implementation of Wasantara must be reflected in a mindset, attitude, and behavior that consistently prioritizes the interests of the state. In other words, Wasantara becomes the underlying pattern for thinking, behaving, and acting in addressing various issues concerning social, national, and state life. The implementation of Wasantara is always oriented toward the interests of the people and the nation as a whole and comprehensively. Implementation in the economic sector can be realized by creating an economic order that truly guarantees the fulfillment and improvement of the people's welfare and prosperity in a fair and equitable manner.

Seen from trends Based on the long-term data, the standard deviation value, and the coefficient of variation of the level of dependence on domestic food products, it can be concluded that the sustainability of national food security is quite good, guaranteed, and stable. For rice commodities, the level of independence is quite good, as indicated by the average level of dependence on domestic products of 96%, while the average dependence on imports is 5,1% per year.

Based on the aggregate national food self-sufficiency indicator, measured by the availability of food in the form of energy, it can be concluded that the national food self-sufficiency level is still relatively secure. Although the percentage dependence on food availability to imported food is generally relatively low, there is a tendency for it to increase over time, coupled with the large population of Indonesia, which means that the dependence on imported food, especially rice, is quite large and requires careful management.  

 

 

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