Strategi Pemerintah Daerah dalam Mewujudkan Ketahanan Pangan: Sinergi Kebijakan dan Administrasi Publik di Merauke

This study aims to analyze the strategy of local government in building food security through policy synergy and public administration in Merauke Regency, a border area that has agricultural potential as well as socio-ecological complexity. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation studies, this study reveals various structural and institutional obstacles in the implementation of regional food policies. The findings show that food security in Merauke is not optimal due to institutional fragmentation, weak bureaucratic capacity, and the lack of synchronization of central and regional policies. In addition, the role of indigenous peoples who have local knowledge in food management has not been formally integrated into the policy system. Based on this analysis, a strategic improvement direction is formulated which includes the establishment of a cross-sectoral coordinating forum, strengthening public administration capacity, implementing adaptive decentralization, recognizing customary-based food systems, and developing a spatial data-based food information system. This study contributes theoretically to the study of regional food governance and practically provides policy recommendations for strengthening inclusive and resilient food security in peripheral areas.