Electronic Theses and Dissertation

Food security occurs when the availability of food is sufficient and equitable and the population has access to food, both physically and economically. Based on Article 25: (1) of Indonesian Trade Law Number 7 of 2014, the Government of Indonesia is obliged to control the availability of necessities in sufficient quantities at affordable prices. As the food importing country, Indonesia is affected by export restrictions imposed by food exporting countries. The WTO reports that there are several member states and non-member states producers of foodstuffs have imposed bans and restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aims to determine the measures taken by the WTO as a world trade organization in maintaining the food security of member states and to find out the impacts arising from the implementation of food export restrictions by other states and to find out the actions of the Indonesian government in maintaining food security during Covid-19 pandemic crisis. The research method used in this study is empirical legal research that examines the facts obtained from research and observation. Primary data obtained from analyzing laws and regulations. Secondary data obtained from interviews and data from the concerned parties. All data collected were analyzed using qualitative analysis. The results of the study show that the WTO calls for each member states to remain transparent in trade and engage in open trade. The impact of restrictions on food exports during the Covid-19 pandemic has caused serious turmoil to Indonesia's food security, namely the limited availability of food, and led to an upward trend in the prices of several main imported food commodities such as wheat, soybeans, sugar, and garlic. Indonesia has also relaxed import regulations to protect domestic food supplies. The Indonesian government needs to increase production output and maintain supply stability in order to reduce the level of dependence on imports of food products in Indonesia. The Government of Indonesia also should undertake policies regarding the availability of foodstuffs, such as inviting more investment, supporting diversification of food supply, reducing food trade flows, and cooperating with other member states to ensure domestic food security.