Innovation policies to foster sustainable and resilient rice production in Indonesia

Introduction

Indonesia is both a developing country (based on ODA criteria) and a G20 member and is expected to be a top five economy by 2045 (Sekretariat Kabinet Republik Indonesia, 2017). This presents an interesting case study for innovation policies for sustainable rice production in order to meet the “needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987, p.41).

The briefing provides an overview of technology policy iterations since Dutch independence, provides an understanding of the rationale for “self-sufficiency” based on the Asian financial crisis of 1997, then, goes on to highlight gaps in framings such as incorporating future demographic and development changes into the innovation policy mixes. The briefing challenges the current innovation policy status quo to ensure Indonesia is prepared for transformative changes for low-input high-yield rice production using “environmentally friendly technologies”.