Food Biotechnology in Indonesia: Obstacles and Prospects in the Future

Food biotechnology in Indonesia holds significant potential for enhancing food security and agricultural productivity, particularly in addressing the challenges of food scarcity and sustainability. However, the sector faces significant hurdles, including fragmented and inconsistent regulatory frameworks, limited research funding, and socio-economic barriers such as high adoption costs and cultural resistance. Current biosafety regulations are often unclear, creating uncertainty for stakeholders and slowing innovation. Smallholder farmers, who make up a large portion of Indonesia’s agricultural sector, face economic constraints and lack access to the training and resources necessary to adopt biotechnological solutions. Despite these challenges, Indonesia has a unique opportunity to meet the rising global demand for sustainable food production through the development of pest-resistant, climate-resilient, and high-yield crops. To harness these opportunities, a multifaceted strategy is required. This strategy should focus on streamlining regulatory frameworks to provide clarity and foster innovation, increasing public and private investments in research and development, and creating robust public-private partnerships. Additionally, capacity building through education and training for farmers and agricultural stakeholders is essential to facilitate the adoption of biotechnology. This comprehensive approach will address the regulatory, educational, technological, and socio-economic barriers that currently hinder the sector’s growth, ultimately enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development in Indonesia.