Exploring Tiwul Consumption as A Potential Solution to Reduce Rice Imports in Indonesia

Rice is the primary carbohydrate source in Indonesia, but tiwul has strong potential as an alternative staple food. This study aims to analyze household preferences for tiwul consumption in Ngetos, Nganjuk, East Java. Using random sampling, 46 households were surveyed through direct interviews. Data were analyzed using expenditure share and conjoint analysis methods. The results show that rice accounts for the largest share of household food expenditure (87.7%), followed by tiwul (4.68%), potato (3.56%), sweet potato (2.01%), and cassava (1.26%). Conjoint analysis revealed that consumers prefer tiwul with a savory flavor (1.922), low price (1.041), black color (0.312), and easy availability for self-cooking (0.297). These findings indicate that tiwul has high potential as a rice substitute due to its affordability and local availability. Policymakers should focus on improving the quality, taste, and promotion of tiwul, particularly emphasizing savory black tiwul, which consumers favor. Marketing strategies highlighting its unique flavor, nutritional value, and role in supporting local farmers could enhance its appeal. Increasing tiwul consumption would not only support food diversification but also strengthen regional food security and reduce Indonesia's dependence on rice imports.