Abstract
Since independence, achieving food self-sufficiency through import restrictions has been a constant theme in Indonesian politics. This policy gained renewed importance during the first two decades of the twenty-first century, particularly with the introduction of the so-called Food Law and Farmers Law in the early 2010s. However, a notable shift occurred in 2020 with the implementation of the Job Creation Law (JCL). The existing literature on food self-sufficiency usually attributes political support for import restrictions and domestic production to the financial and electoral benefits politicians and their business associates reap, including graft and public approval. However, such arguments do not address how ideas shape the legislative process. To understand why, this article examines how the Widodo administration’s attempts to change legislation on food self-sufficiency were stymied by political parties and lawmakers, showing that not only ideals but also the legislative branch still has a voice in shaping policy, especially at a time when the presidency in Indonesia has amassed vast power.