Analysis of factors affecting the Environmental Quality Index (EQI) and its implications for sustainable development

Background: The Environmental Quality Index (EQI) reflects environmental performance and sustainability, with DKI Jakarta scoring 54.57—below its target. This study analyzes the influence of the Human Development Index (HDI), population growth, and the Information, Communication, and Technology Development Index (IDI) on DKI Jakarta’s EQI. Methods: A quantitative approach using time-series data (2008–2023) and multiple linear regression analysis was applied to evaluate the relationship between HDI, population growth, and IDI with environmental quality. Findings: HDI positively impacts environmental quality, contributing 5.776%. In contrast, a 1% increase in IDI and population growth correlates with a 2.183% and 173.456% decline in EQI, respectively, highlighting the environmental challenges of urbanization and technological expansion. Conclusion: Improving human resources, adopting green technologies, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are critical to enhancing environmental quality. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides new insights into the interplay of HDI, IDI, and population growth in influencing environmental quality in a major urban area

Enhancing market efficiency for chili farmers through digital auction platforms: A case study of semar-dica apps

Background: The red chili supply chain in the coastal sandy areas of Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, faces chronic inefficiencies, including volatile prices, lengthy distribution channels, and farmers’ dependency on intermediaries. Although traditional auction markets offer more transparent price formation, delayed payments often push farmers back into unfavorable marketing practices. The advancement of digital technology provides new opportunities to enhance market efficiency and empower smallholder farmers. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Semar-Dica Apps, an Android-based digital auction platform, to design an effective digital marketing system and evaluate its potential to improve market efficiency and farmers’ income . Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, supported by participatory action research (PAR) in several chili-producing villages of Panjatan Sub-district, Kulon Progo. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, and analysis of relevant secondary data. The analysis involved thematic coding, comparison between conventional and digital auction mechanisms, SMART feasibility assessment, and stakeholder mapping using the Triple Helix model. Findings: The Semar-Dica platform demonstrates potential in shortening supply chains, increasing price transparency, and accelerating payment processes. However, challenges remain, including limited digital literacy, operational costs, and competition with local traders. To overcome these barriers, farmer training, video-based guidance, and inclusive stakeholder engagement are necessary. Collaboration with local collectors is also suggested to support smoother adoption. Conclusion: The Semar-Dica Apps offer a promising solution for enhancing market efficiency and improving income security for chili farmers. Its success, however, relies on strategic implementation and support from all stakeholders. Novelty/Originalty of this article: This study contributes to the discourse on agricultural digitalization by identifying context-specific barriers to adoption and offering targeted, inclusive strategies to facilitate the transition of smallholder farmers to digital marketing platform

Analysis of palemahan application on tourist attraction and waste conditions in a tourism city

Background: Denpasar City, as a prominent tourism hub in Bali, faces significant urban environmental challenges due to rapid land conversion, increasing population, and growing tourism activities. In 2023, Denpasar produced the highest volume of waste in Bali, reaching 357,985.69 tons/year, reflecting the strain on waste management systems and environmental sustainability. Methods: This study uses a quantitative approach through spatial analysis using QGIS and literature review. The variables analyzed include land cover, population, tourist attraction (DTW) distribution, and annual waste generation across four sub-districts in Denpasar. Findings: The analysis revealed that South Denpasar has the largest area (49.89 km²), highest population (311,590 people), highest waste generation (111,080.23 tons/year), and the most tourist attraction units (28 DTWs). Despite this, it has the lowest population density compared to other sub-districts. These conditions highlight the environmental burden experienced by this region, particularly in waste management and land use pressure due to its tourism-related activities. Conclusion: The city of Denpasar faces complex challenges in achieving its vision as a sustainable Tourism City. The integration of the Balinese local wisdom value of palemahan, emphasizing harmonious human–environment relationships, is crucial to address the physical, biological, and social environmental issues arising from unregulated waste and land use. Furthermore, the dense population and high tourism activity call for future research on their impact on water and air quality. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study offers a spatially grounded analysis of the interrelation between tourism, population pressure, and waste generation in Denpasar. It uniquely incorporates traditional environmental values (palemahan) as a cultural approach to addressing urban ecological challenges

Acceleration of stunting reduction: Advancing social and environmental well-being through policy, education, and environmental management

Background: Stunting is a serious public health problem in Indonesia, especially in East Nusa Tenggara/Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) Province, which has a high prevalence. Based on the 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI), there are 15 districts in NTT with stunting rates of more than 30%, even in South Central Timor and North Central Timor Regencies, the prevalence reaches more than 46%. The main factors contributing to stunting include malnutrition, poor sanitation, and consanguineous marriage practices. Methods: This study uses a literature review approach by applying the Social Ecological Model (SEM) to analyze risk factors and intervention strategies. The data used include empirical studies and policies related to stunting in NTT. Findings: The analysis shows that poor sanitation, such as access to clean drinking water which only reaches 86.79% and access to proper sanitation of 73.7%, is correlated with high stunting rates. Data also show that low milk consumption, with an average consumption of only 30 kilocalories per capita per day in Southeast Asia, contributes to the high prevalence of stunting of 31%. In addition, maternal education levels and the practice of washing hands with soap after feeding children are significantly associated with stunting. Social assistance programs such as the Family Hope Program/Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) have reached 64% of beneficiaries but have not been effective in reducing stunting rates because there is still inaccuracy in targeting recipients. Conclusion: Accelerating stunting reduction in NTT requires a multi-sectoral approach involving improving sanitation infrastructure, increasing access to nutrition, health education, and optimizing social assistance programs. Monitoring and evaluation of policy implementation need to be improved to ensure the effectiveness of the interventions carried out. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study highlights the relationship between environmental factors, cultural practices, and policy effectiveness in accelerating stunting reduction in NTT. The SEM approach used offers a holistic perspective in understanding the complexity of the problem and designing more effective intervention strategies

Elucidating Indonesia’s palm oil supply chain trends: A bibliometric approach

Background: Indonesia’s palm oil supply chain (POSC) plays a critical role in the global economy, contributing over 60% of the world’s crude palm oil (CPO) supply. Despite extensive research on palm oil production and sustainability, there remains a lack of comprehensive bibliometric analysis that maps the evolution of POSC research, identifies key knowledge gaps, and highlights emerging trends. Methods: This study addresses this gap by employing a bibliometric approach to analyze academic research on POSC from 2007 to 2024. Using Scopus data and VOSviewer for visualization, the study identifies key trends, influential authors, research hotspots, and international collaborations. Findings: Results show a significant increase in publications since 2016, driven by global concerns over sustainability, climate change, and the social impacts of palm oil production. Indonesia leads research output, with international collaborations predominantly involving Malaysia and the United States. The findings reveal a shift toward sustainability research, emphasizing environmental challenges, smallholder inclusion, and technological innovations. Conclusion: This study contributes to the literature by providing a systematic mapping of POSC research, highlighting underexplored areas such as supply chain transparency and the role of palm oil in biofuels. Future research should focus on balancing economic development with environmental stewardship and leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address sustainability challenges. Novelty/Originality of this article: highlights the growing intersection of POSC research with sustainability, technological innovation, and policy development, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers

Entrepreneurial competency, resilience, and financial literacy: Drivers of sustainable performance in SMEs for societal welfare

Background: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to the Philippine economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. However, challenges such as natural disasters (e.g., Typhoon Haiyan), economic disruptions, and limited financial resources have tested the resilience of entrepreneurs, especially in Tacloban City, Leyte. This study explores the interplay between financial literacy, entrepreneurial competency, and resilience and their combined impact on the sustainable performance of SMEs in Tacloban City. Methods: A descriptive-correlational research design was utilized, employing a structured questionnaire adapted from existing validated tools. Data were collected from 224 respondents across service, retail, and insurance sectors, selected through cluster sampling. Relationships among financial literacy, entrepreneurial competency, resilience, and sustainable performance were analyzed using SmartPLS-SEM. The mediating role of resilience was also assessed. Findings: The results indicate that financial literacy significantly enhances entrepreneurial competencies and resilience, both of which positively influence the sustainable performance of SMEs. Entrepreneurial resilience partially mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial competency and sustainable performance, highlighting its critical role in overcoming challenges. Demographic factors, such as age and education, were found to influence perceptions of sustainable performance. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of financial literacy as a foundational element in fostering entrepreneurial competency and resilience. Tailored interventions, such as financial education programs and resilience-building workshops, are recommended to support SME sustainability, particularly in disaster-prone regions like Tacloban City. Novelty/Originality: This study extends existing research by applying a resilience mediation model to a unique geographic and socio-economic context, Tacloban City, known for its vulnerability to natural disasters. The inclusion of demographic variables adds depth to the understanding of resilience and sustainability among SMEs in this setting, providing actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders

Rainwater as an alternative to saving urban clean water which has economic value: Interaction human and conservation

Background: Rainwater Harvesting System (RHS) is an alternative solution that can overcome the problem of demand of urban water with high population density and as a prevention of potential flooding due to lack of catchment areas. Central Jakarta's high population density triggers a large demand for clean water, causing excessive groundwater exploitation and a long impact on groundwater scarcity and seawater intrusion. The implementation of RHS in Indonesia is still relatively rare, especially in Jakarta. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to planning RHS design as an alternative to meet the urban water demands. This research innovates on RHS designs based on water demands and aspects of the feasibility in economics.  Methods: This research was conducted quantitatively and data collection was carried out by mix method, the number of occupants data was collected through observation and literature review of previous RHS research. The analysis of RHS is carried out mathematics and descriptive. Findings: The result showed that the implementation of RHS at X Boarding House succeeded in saving clean water bills by up to 58% with benefit value of IDR 8,093,176. This shows that the RHS is an effective solution in reducing water costs for PDAM bills. The design of the RHS uses roof as catchment area and the tank system is placed above ground taking into ease of operation and maintenance. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) analysis shows that the RHS at X Boarding House is feasible to be built with a value of 1,388>1 which shows that the value of the benefits exceeds the  costs. Conclusion The importance of using rainwater as an alternative to saving clean water by economic value shows that RHS can be an alternative solution to overcome problems, especially water availability during the dry season when the supply of clean water is decreasing. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research makes a novel contribution by presenting an RHS design tailored to urban water demand and its economic feasibility, as well as considering operational aspects under Jakarta's unique climatic and environmental conditions

Public interest in the energy transition: Exploring the shift to two-wheeled electric transportation for sustainable development

Background: Energy plays a vital role in global efforts to transition toward renewable energy sources, addressing climate change and ensuring sustainability. Despite growing investments in renewable energy, fossil fuels remain a critical commodity, particularly in Indonesia’s transportation sector, where their dominance significantly contributes to air pollution. The urgency to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy has been heightened by geopolitical events such as Russia's aggression, which has underscored the need for energy resilience. Indonesia has initiated fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as an environmentally friendly alternative. Methods: This research adopts a qualitative approach, conducting interviews with two respondents: one who owns an electric two-wheeler and another who does not. The study focuses on key factors influencing societal behavior and interest in transitioning to EVs, including price, infrastructure, brand, mobility needs, and environmental awareness. Government policies such as subsidies and tax incentives are also analyzed for their role in encouraging EV adoption. Findings: The interviews reveal that price affordability, infrastructure availability, and government subsidies significantly influence the decision to transition to electric vehicles. While environmental awareness is a contributing factor, practical considerations such as mobility needs and vehicle brand preferences remain critical. The study highlights the importance of government support in the form of improved infrastructure, subsidy programs, and standardized battery regulations to accelerate the adoption of two-wheeler EVs. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for targeted government policies to strengthen EV adoption, particularly through subsidies, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements. These efforts are essential for achieving clean and sustainable energy in Indonesia. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides a comprehensive perspective on the socio-economic and policy-related factors influencing EV adoption in Indonesia. By incorporating first-hand insights from users and non-users of electric vehicles, it offers unique recommendations to enhance the transition toward renewable energy

Pollution absorbtion of green open space: A comparative review between Singapore and Jakarta urban areas

Background: Rapid urbanization has significantly increased industrial activity, transportation, and energy use in cities, increasing air pollution. In addition to having a detrimental effect on the ecosystem, air pollution raises the risk of heart disease, respiratory conditions, and early mortality. Green open space is seen as a natural way to lower air pollution because of the vegetation's capacity to absorb pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10. Method: This SLR analysis combines quantitative bibliometry and descriptive research methods. Findings: The study results show that GOS plays an important role in reducing air pollutant concentrations, improving air quality, and providing health benefits to the community. However, the effectiveness of GOS is influenced by factors such as vegetation type, green area area, and urban spatial planning. Limited land, lack of integration in urban planning, and low public awareness are major problems in GOS development. In addition, this study found the potential to optimize GOS through innovations such as vertical green spaces and green roofs. Conclusion: This study also found that GOS should be included in sustainable urban spatial planning policies to improve air quality, reduce pollution impacts on health, and create a healthier and more comfortable urban environment for people by optimizing the GOS. To ensure the GOS development can go smoothly and sustainably in the future, it is required to have scientifically based policy recommendations. Novelty/Originality: This study assesses GOS's capacity to absorb air pollution by contrasting case studies from Indonesia and Singapore

Enhancing social cooperation through hiking tourism: A case study of the Selo route in Mount Merbabu National Park

Background: Mount Merbabu is one of the leading natural tourist destinations in Central Java that attracts local and foreign tourists, primarily through the Selo Trail, which is famous for trekking activities. The number of visitors along the Selo Trekking Trail has increased significantly yearly. Tourism activities on this trail have a significant social and economic impact on the surrounding community, directly and indirectly. Therefore, it is essential to identify the social impact and estimate the economic impact of tourism in the area around the Selo Trekking Trail. Method: This research method uses a qualitative descriptive analysis method with a Likert scale to highlight tourism activities' social and economic impacts. This analysis involves collecting data through interviews, questionnaires, and observations to gain in-depth insight into the impact of tourism on local communities and their contribution to their economy. Findings: The study results indicate that tourism activities along the Selo Trekking Trail significantly influence community cooperation and social values. Tourism activities also contribute to community livelihoods, including actively managing tourism and forming volunteer groups. The interaction between tourists and local communities changes culture and social values ​​and has a positive impact by rapidly diversifying residents' jobs. Conclusion: From the results of the study, it can be concluded that tourism on the Selo Trekking Trail has significant social and economic impacts on the surrounding community. This activity strengthens community cooperation, influences social values, and improves livelihoods and job diversification. Active community involvement in tourism management and forming volunteer groups are critical factors in optimally utilizing tourism opportunities. Novelty: This study provides new insights into how tourism on the Selo Trekking Trail affects the social and economic dynamics of local communities. The findings highlight positive changes in community cooperation, social values, and job diversification, which have yet to be widely explored in previous studies on the impact of tourism in the area. This study also underlines the importance of active community involvement in tourism management to maximize economic and social benefits