Agricultural Trade Law in the Republic of Indonesia: Challenges from International Law

Abstract

As Indonesia still struggles with the poverty that is prevalent in rural areas where most of the population depends on agriculture, the Indonesian government perceives the role of agricultural trade as one of the mechanisms to improve farmers’ incomes. However, Indonesia’s agricultural trade instruments are still deemed to be problematic. Despite the effort of the Indonesian government to support its farmers, its agricultural trade instruments are widely challenged by the international world and are often referred to as ineffective and even deemed illegal, and compliance with international trade law is expected. This study will examine Indonesia’s agricultural trade laws and policies in connection with international law to discover what can be done by both the relevant international organizations and Indonesia to serve its interest but also overcome the global challenges. The methodologies that will be used in this study are documentary research and the qualitative method. Relevant laws, policies, regulations, and documents related to Indonesia’s agricultural trade will be analyzed. Interviews will be conducted to obtain a comprehensive understanding of government officials and stakeholders’ perspectives. The study will provide useful material that will allow Indonesian policymakers and stakeholders to develop a better understanding of the current conditions and challenges of agricultural trade law as well as which policies must be addressed. It will also serve as an alternative academic source for relevant international organizations to address concerns related to agricultural reform in light of a developing country’s distinctive interests, which in this case is Indonesia.