What the study found
The study found that staple food prices rose more sharply and for longer than earlier studies had assumed during the Indonesian War of Independence. It also found that high rice prices were partly linked to the first large Dutch military operation, Operation Product, and that urban unskilled wage labourers often had very low nutritional status in 1946 and the first half of 1947.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings point to broader entitlement failures, meaning people lacked reliable access to food, because market connections were weak during military and economic warfare. The study suggests that wartime price changes were not just background conditions but part of the conflict's dynamics.
What the researchers tested
The researchers compiled a dataset of more than 8,600 staple food prices from across the Indonesian archipelago covering 1939 to 1949. They used these data to estimate the effects of wartime conditions and the main Dutch military campaigns on food prices, and combined them with a second dataset on wartime wages to estimate nutritional standards.
What worked and what didn't
The price data show wartime peaks that were more severe and prolonged than earlier studies had suggested, both inside and outside Java. The study also shows that after the military campaign ended, rice prices fell significantly across Java and Sumatra. Using wages and prices together, the authors estimate that urban unskilled wage labourers were often below the family subsistence level in 1946 and early 1947.
What to keep in mind
The summary does not describe detailed limitations of the data or methods. The findings are specific to Indonesia during 1939 to 1949 and to the wartime price and wage datasets used in the study.
Key points
- More than 8,600 staple food prices were compiled from across the Indonesian archipelago for 1939-49.
- Wartime staple food price peaks were more severe and longer-lasting than earlier studies had assumed.
- High rice prices were partly linked to the launch of Operation Product.
- Rice prices fell significantly across Java and Sumatra after the military campaign ended.
- Urban unskilled wage labourers often had nutrition below family subsistence levels in 1946 and early 1947.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- War drove severe, prolonged staple food price spikes in Indonesia
- Authors:
- Ingrid de Zwarte, Helmi Moret, Pim de Zwart
- Institutions:
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University & Research
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-29
- DOI:
- 10.1111/ehr.70084
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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