Study Examines Impact of U.S. GM Crop Imports on Indonesia’s Food Self-Sufficiency

Indonesia's growing reliance on genetically modified (GM) crop imports from the United States is sparking debate over its long-term impact on national food sovereignty. A recent study examined the policy and legal implications of soybean and corn imports within Indonesia's efforts to develop its own biotechnology sector and ensure long-term food security.

The study highlights that while GM crop imports provide short-term gains, such as increased yields and lower production costs, they may hinder local innovation and deepen reliance on foreign seed suppliers. Field trials of locally developed biotech corn in Central Java have shown promising results, including a 25% yield increase and reduced pest damage. However, challenges such as limited market access, regulatory delays, and competition from imported GM seeds remain.

Under World Trade Organization (WTO) frameworks, developing nations like Indonesia are encouraged to liberalize trade, but these same rules can limit national policy flexibility. To address this, Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture issued a policy brief promoting the development of locally adapted GM seeds, focusing on biosafety, farmer training, and public-private partnerships to balance trade commitments with technological independence. The study concludes that harmonizing trade liberalization with strategic domestic biotechnology support is key to achieving sustainable food security and agricultural resilience.

For more information, read the article from Academia.