Program Food Estate di Kabupaten Merauke, Solusi atau Delusi Kebijakan

Abstract

Indonesia is currently facing multifaceted food security challenges, primarily driven by a high dependence on strategic food imports, the adverse effects of climate change, and the ongoing conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes. In response to these challenges, the government has introduced the Food Estate program, which aims to enhance food production through the development of large-scale agricultural zones. This article critically examines the implementation of the Food Estate initiative in Merauke Regency, South Papua, employing a literature review approach. The analysis reveals that the program encounters a range of issues, including agrarian conflicts, the marginalization of Indigenous communities, and significant ecological degradation. The technocratic and centralized policy approach, implemented without the meaningful participation of local communities, is identified as a fundamental factor contributing to the program’s shortcomings. Furthermore, the study argues that food security should not be assessed solely based on food availability, but must also incorporate considerations of access, sustainability, and social justice.