Partnership schemes in implementing mandatory garlic planting rules for importers: the case in East Lombok, Magelang, and Temanggung

Abstract

National statistical data shows that almost all of Indonesia’s garlic needs are imported from other countries. Local production is only less than 10% of the total national demand for garlic. The Indonesian government is currently working to increase national garlic production in order to reduce imports dependency. One of the efforts taken is to increase the planting area through mandatory planting regulations for garlic importers. Every importer is required to grow garlic in Indonesia, which, if converted, is equivalent to five per cent of the total imported garlic. Importers are given freedom regarding the planting mechanism, whether to plant by themselves or through the partnership scheme with farmers. Particularly for the partnership scheme with farmers, it is necessary to study a partnership scheme that is mutually beneficial for both parties. A study was conducted in 2018 as part of a horticultural development policy analysis research to examine the effectiveness of cooperation in implementing mandatory garlic planting regulations for importers. This research was conducted in three locations, East Lombok, Magelang, and Temanggung. This study found that each of the three locations has different cooperation schemes. Farmers are interested in forming partnerships with importers for several reasons: certainty of obtaining seeds and operational costs, and other reasons such as marketing certainty and the opportunity to get cultivation technology assistance.