This research is a part of superior research of college entitled “Cassava for Food Sovereignty: Collaborative Study” conducted by 10 (ten) study centers under Institute of Research and Community Service (LPPM) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Yogyakarta. This collaborative research started from the desire to develop the spirit of mutual cooperation studying food security and energy sovereignty, particularly those related to cassava as an alternative food for the sake of national food security. Furthermore, this collaborative research is expected to contribute comprehensively based on the field of knowledge of each study center for the Indonesian nation at large and the government in particular in the form of policy recommendations related to cassava and food security in Indonesia.
As a center for social-oriented studies in Southeast Asia, the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (PSSAT) focuses this cassava research on comparative studies of cassava management as a food alternative in Thailand and Vietnam, two countries currently occupying the top position of cassava exporters at the level world. This research departs from the simple notion that when a country succeeds in becoming the world’s largest exporter, of course the country has already succeeded in fulfilling its own domestic food needs. Furthermore, by studying food security schemes in these countries, researchers will be able to formulate policy recommendations to the Indonesian government on food security, particularly those related to cassava as food commodities alternative.01