Analisis Regulasi dan Kebijakan Keamanan Hayati dan Peluang Keberhasilan Adopsi Benih Transgenik di Indonesia

Abstract

<p>Analysis of Regulation and Policy on Biosafety and<br />Likelihood of Transgenic Seeds Adoption in Indonesia.<br />Edwin S. Saragih, Santun R.P. Sitorus, Harianto, and<br />Sugiono Moeljopawiro. Since more than 10 years, a<br />number of works in field of modern biotechnology have<br />been programmed in public research institutes and<br />universities in Indonesia and few foreign companies have<br />put efforts in introducing transgenic varieties. This significant<br />development raises intriguing question as to why there has<br />not been any transgenic food crop seed planted by farmers<br />in the country. A status quo was observed in which<br />regulatory regime on biosafety has been in a situation of<br />prolonged transitional phase and necessary institutional<br />framework has not been firmly in place. There were<br />distinguished lines among stakeholders on benefit<br />awareness, risks perception and worry on multinational<br />companies’ control over seed supply. There is a fair<br />expectation that similar benefits experienced by adopting<br />countries could also help increase food production in<br />Indonesia. However, potential contribution of transgenic<br />seeds for the country is still largely unexplored. There are<br />numbers of potential transgenic seeds namely transgenic<br />rice, soybean, potato, tomato and corn, with the latter would<br />show slightly better likelihood of success once adoption<br />happens. Decision making instrument as determinant factor<br />in ensuring safe application and release of transgenic seeds<br />has not yet existed despite the fact that capacity for biosafety<br />assessment conduct is undoubtedly sufficient. It is important<br />to note that the new regulation on biosafety (PP No. 21/2005)<br />open opportunities for assessing transgenic product under a<br />transitional clause. Nonetheless, the new regulation has not<br />been able securing food safety statement of imported<br />transgenic products (especially corn and soybean) which<br />have been used for domestic consumption.</p>