Theme: 9. Foodscapes: Cultivation, Livelihoods, Gastronomy

East Java and the Efforts of Improving Food Security in the region: Prospects, Challenges, and Its Future

Roundtable Chair(s)

• MM

  Mirza Muttaqien

  Jatim Grha Utama, Indonesia

Roundtable Convenor(s)

• OA

  Onny Hendro Adhiaksono

  Kagama, Indonesia

Roundtable Participant(s)

• ED

  Emil Elestianto Dardak

  Vice Governor of East Java 2019–2024, Indonesia
• HD

  Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo

  Yayasan Arsari Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia
• AA

  Andi Amran

  Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
• MN

  Mohammad Nasih

  Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia
• IS

  Imam Sugianto

  East Java Regional Police Department, Indonesia
• 

  Thomas Reuter

  The University of Melbourne, Australia

Indonesia has made significant economic development and is now classified as an upper-middle income country. Additionally, it has made significant achievements in improving food security and nutrition. Food accessibility has risen, while the prevalence of undernutrition has declined in recent years. Nevertheless, Indonesians' nutritional status still falls below international benchmarks, and there is significant disparity across different locations. Indonesia is currently facing significant difficulties in dealing with persistent issues related to food security and nutrition. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this situation, leading to an unparalleled disaster. Therefore, the country, especially East Java, as a prominent food producer in Indonesia, need novel and improved strategies.

The province of East Java is dedicated to continually working towards establishing national food security, serving as a model of self-reliance in the agricultural industry. In 2021, East Java was the top contributor to the national stocks of meat, dairy cows, and laying hens on a national level. It provided 4.9 million beef cattle, which accounted for 27 percent of the overall national stock. In terms of dairy cows, they constituted 305 thousand individuals, which represents 52 percent of the total national livestock. The province also supplied 52.9 million chickens, accounting for 28 percent of the total national stock. The provincial government aims to sustain these accomplishments continuously in order to meet the province's own requirements as well as the demands of other provinces. Certainly, this purpose must have backing from a diverse group of stakeholders and field experts.

The roundtable discussion will be organized as an interactive session, promoting open dialogue, discussions, and a Q&A session. Attendees will be encouraged to exchange their experiences, discuss best practices, and explore creative strategies for the heritage revitalization project. This roundtable is intended for policymakers, scholars, professionals, private sectors, and other related groups. The outcome of this roundtable is a policy brief that will be overseen by the International Institute for Asian Studies and the Airlangga Institute for Indian Ocean Crossroads as a long-term commitment for heritage revitalization development in Surabaya.