Research on World Agricultural Economy

Enhancing the Institutional Resilience of Farmer Corporations through Stakeholder Communication Networks and Digital Integration in Indonesia

Shinta Anggreany

Department of Communication and Community Development, Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University, Bogor City 16680, Indonesia; Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Engineering and Modernization (IAAEM), South Kalimantan, Ministry of Agriculture, Banjarbaru City 70714, Indonesia

Sumardjo

Department of Communication and Community Development, Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University, Bogor City 16680, Indonesia

Djuara P Lubis

Department of Communication and Community Development, Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University, Bogor City 16680, Indonesia

Syahyuti

National Research and Innovation Agency, Center for Research on Cooperatives, Corporations and Community Economy, Jakarta 12710, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v7i1.2566

Received: 1 August 2025 | Revised: 18 August 2025 | Accepted: 17 September 2025 | Published Online: 7 January 2026

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Abstract

This study aims to analyze the centrality structure of communication networks and the level of fragmentation among stakeholders involved in the development of farmer corporations, focusing on the implications for institutional sustainability. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a survey of 281 farmers with in-depth interviews of key actors from the government, private sector, financial institutions, universities, and extension change agents. Social network analysis (SNA) using UCINET was applied to measure degree, closeness, and betweenness centrality indicators to capture the relational dynamics among stakeholders. The findings reveal that farmer corporation networks in Jayakerta District remain highly centralised in civil servant extension workers and the Ministry of Agriculture. This centralization enhances coordination but creates risks of institutional dependency. Voluntary extension workers demonstrate an important brokerage function by connecting marginalised farmers to central actors and facilitating more inclusive information flows. In contrast, financial institutions and universities remain poorly integrated, reflecting persistent gaps in cross-sector collaboration. To address these challenges, strengthening digital literacy and providing continuous digital mentoring have been identified as key strategies for enhancing inclusivity, reducing fragmentation, and improving institutional resilience. The study recommends that rural development strategies integrate multi-stakeholder collaboration with phased digital adoption, carefully calibrated to the diverse capacities and readiness of local communities. This approach aims to contribute to more sustainable and adaptive institutional arrangements in the long run.

Keywords: Digital Integration; Farmer Corporation; Institutional Resilience; Social Network Analysis; Stakehold‑ ers Communication

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