Yogyakarta, May 26th 2025─Muchtar Habibi, a lecturer from the Department of the Department of Public Policy Management (MKP), Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of UGM, once again shares his thoughts through his latest scientific publication entitled “Challenging the orthodox policy analysis in Indonesia: a historical materialist policy analysis of Joko Widodo’s agrarian reform and food sovereignty”. This article was published in the reputable journal Critical Policy Studies published by Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
In this publication, Habibi criticizes conventional public policy analysis approaches that are often considered neutral and technocratic. Through the Historical Materialist Policy Analysis (HMPA) approach, he invites readers to see policies—especially in terms of agrarian reform and food sovereignty—as the result of complex power dynamics and social class relations.
This study focuses on the agrarian policies of President Joko Widodo’s administration, and examines how political, economic and power interests influence the direction and implementation of these policies. In this context, Habibi’s approach makes an important contribution in pushing for a more equitable and sustainable food system—a vision that is in line with global efforts to end hunger and ensure access to adequate food for all (SDG 2: Zero Hunger).
Furthermore, the article also highlights the structural inequalities that smallholders, women and other marginalized groups face in accessing land and natural resources. This analysis directly speaks to the importance of policy reforms that favor social justice and gap reduction (SDG 10: Reduce Inequality). By opening up space for critical approaches in public policy, Habibi also encourages the strengthening of state institutions to be more inclusive, democratic, and responsive to people’s voices (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Resilient Institutions).
Through this research, Muchtar Habibi not only broadens academic horizons in public policy studies, but also provides a strong theoretical foundation for policy makers, activists and academics to evaluate and formulate agrarian and food policies in a more just and transformative manner.
Publication Information
Judul : Challenging the orthodox policy analysis in Indonesia: a historical materialist policy analysis of Joko Widodo’s agrarian reform and food sovereignty
Penulis : Muchtar Habibi
Jurnal : Critical Policy Studies, Routledge Taylor & Francis