Breaking the Silos: How Institutional Fragmentation Undermines Urban Food Security Governance in Indonesia

Abstract

Urban food security in Indonesia faces complex challenges due to rapid urbanization, limited local production capacity, and fragmented policy implementation. Effective coordination among multiple stakeholders through network governance becomes critical for sustainable urban food systems. This study analyzes the dynamics of network governance in implementing urban food security policies in Indonesia, focusing on coordination mechanisms, stakeholder interactions, and factors influencing policy effectiveness. This qualitative research employed a case study approach with in-depth interviews, document analysis, and observations. Data were collected from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, farmers, and community representatives. Thematic analysis was used to identify coordination patterns and governance challenges. The findings reveal three main governance challenges: institutional fragmentation across multiple agencies with overlapping mandates, limited coordination mechanisms resulting in policy implementation gaps, and power asymmetry among stakeholders affecting collaborative decision-making. Government agencies tend to operate in silos, while civil society and private sector engagement remains minimal. Trust deficits and inadequate information-sharing mechanisms hinder effective network coordination. Strengthening urban food security requires transitioning from hierarchical governance toward more collaborative network arrangements. Policy recommendations include establishing formal coordination platforms, clarifying institutional mandates, enhancing stakeholder participation mechanisms, and developing integrated information systems for food security monitoring.