Strengthening institutional capacity for fresh food safety governance

Evidence from Indonesia's Regional Food Safety Authorities

Abstract

Institutional capacity is a critical factor in ensuring safe and sustainable local food systems, particularly for fresh foods that are highly perishable and often traded through traditional markets. As an agrarian country and one of the world’s major food producers, Indonesia manages a wide range of fresh, plant-based food commodities that require effective food safety oversight. In this context, strengthening fresh food safety governance supports local producers by promoting safer production standards and practices, while reinforcing traditional markets as trusted channels for fresh food distribution. It also contributes to regional food system resilience by ensuring the availability of fresh foods that are safe in both quantity and quality. Within Indonesia’s decentralized governance structure, Regional Food Safety Competent Authorities (RFSCA) serve as key institutional actors responsible for safeguarding the safety of fresh foods at the subnational level. As of 2025, a total of 34 provincial food affairs agencies have been formally verified as RFSCA. However, the institutional performance of around 60% of these authorities remains uneven and, in several cases, suboptimal. This study examines the institutional drivers influencing RFSCA performance and develops strategies to strengthen their operational capacity using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and Best–Worst Method (BWM). Data was collected from 34 provinces through structured surveys and expert assessments. The findings indicate that adequate budget allocation and standardized institutional mandates function as fundamental drivers of institutional performance. Approximately 80% of RFSCA operate with insufficient budgetary support, while core functions such as monitoring, evaluation, and capacity-building activities are largely dependent on these foundational institutional conditions. The pro­posed framework offers actionable guidance for regional authorities and policymakers to enhance coordination, accountability, and resilience in fresh food safety governance—ultimately supporting safer and more resilient local food systems.