Examining Food Security Dynamics: Discourse Network Analysis of Rice Imports in Indonesia
Azwar Aswin (a*)

a) Research Center for Public Policy, National Research and Innovation Agency, 10 Gatot Subroto Street, South Jakarta
12710, Indonesia
*azwa002[at]brin.go.id

Abstract

Rice imports in Indonesia have become a strategic issue in national food policy, particularly in 2024, which is anticipated to face extreme weather challenges and global market uncertainties. This study employs the Discourse Network Analysis (DNA) method to analyze the dynamics and communication patterns involved in the discourse on rice imports in Indonesia. DNA facilitates the identification of key actors, their positions, and interactions in shaping rice import policies. By collecting data from online news, policy documents, and public statements, this research maps the discourse network involving the government, farmers, trade associations, and civil society organizations. The analysis reveals differing perspectives between actors who support imports for reasons of price stability and supply, and those who oppose imports for reasons of food sovereignty and local farmer protection. The study also finds that import decisions are often influenced by political and economic factors, in addition to agricultural technical considerations. These findings provide insights into how rice import policies in Indonesia are formulated and implemented, highlighting the importance of stakeholder participation in the decision-making process.

Keywords: Rice imports- Discourse Network Analysis- Food policy- Stakeholder participation- Political and economic factors

Topic: Food Security and Food Processing