Identifying Adaptive Challenges In Food Security Management: An Analysis Of North Kalimantan Governor's Leadership In Addressing Staple Food Price Fluctuations

Abstract

Food security represents a complex challenge requiring adaptive leadership, particularly in border regions with challenging geographical characteristics such as North Kalimantan. This study aims to analyze the capability of identifying adaptive challenges in the leadership of the North Kalimantan Governor regarding the management of supply and price stability of staple goods in Nunukan and Bulungan Districts. The ability to identify adaptive challenges encompasses four main indicators: distinguishing between technical and adaptive challenges, differentiating adaptive leadership from formal authority, maintaining disequilibrium and mobilizing adaptation, and observing-interpreting-intervening. The study employs a qualitative approach with case study methodology through in-depth interviews with 9 informants and thematic analysis based on four adaptive capability indicators. The findings reveal that the Governor has demonstrated good capability in identifying the adaptive nature of food security challenges, particularly through recognition that 80% dependence on external supply and Malaysia's economic dominance constitute adaptive challenges requiring structural transformation. The implementation of the SIAP SIGAPKU application as a real-time monitoring system and cross-sectoral joint team coordination reflects adaptive leadership practices that transcend formal authority. Managing disequilibrium through tiered monitoring and gradual coaching systems has proven effective in mobilizing stakeholder adaptation. However, strengthening is still needed in terms of mobilizing substantial resources and providing concrete support for business actors to achieve sustainable food security independence.