International Journal of Human Capital in Urban Management

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Forest honey is a non-timber forest product that supports community welfare while maintaining ecosystem biodiversity. This study aimed to evaluate the level of sustainability of forest honey production in Riau Province by determining and analyzing the sustainability index.
METHODS: Data were collected through literature review, focus group discussions, and expert questionnaires involving practitioners and stakeholders with more than five years of experience in forest honey production and management. The data obtained were then analyzed using a multidimensional scale technique covering environmental, economic, social, technological, and institutional aspects. Monte Carlo analysis and the alternating least-squares algorithm were used to examine the sustainability status and significant characteristics.
FINDINGS: The results showed that the sustainability index reached 76.26 percent, categorized as highly sustainable. The environmental, economic, and social dimensions were found to be sustainable, while institutional and technological aspects remained moderately sustainable and need further strengthening. Key attributes influencing sustainability include distribution systems, product prices, training opportunities for honey collectors, digital marketing, and product certification.
CONCLUSION: Strategic recommendations include improving institutional capacity, expanding the use of digital technology, continuous technical training, and developing long-term business strategies. This study introduces a multidimensional sustainability assessment model that integrates ecological, economic, social, technological, and institutional aspects, offering a replicable framework for sustainable forest honey management in Indonesia and beyond.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Decentralized waste governance in resource-constrained regions presents complex challenges where infrastructural expansion alone does not guarantee systemic resilience. Banyumas Regency, Indonesia, provides a critical case: following the abrupt landfill closure in 2018, the local government launched the “Sumpah Beruang” program, which initially reduced landfill-bound waste by over 90 percent. However, persistent inefficiencies such as underutilized facilities, stockpiled refuse-derived fuel, and declining digital engagement exposed governance and market fragilities. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Banyumas’s Zero Waste strategy by examining its institutional adaptability, financial resilience, and stakeholder dynamics, while situating its relevance within broader circular economy transitions in decentralized settings.
METHODS: A convergent mixed-methods approach was applied, combining policy content analysis, institutional scoring, and financial benchmarking. Primary data were obtained through 20 semi-structured interviews with government officials, waste operators, community-based waste groups, and industrial off-takers. Secondary data included facility operations, household surveys, and municipal records. Comparative benchmarking with international refuse-derived fuel systems and institutional frameworks was undertaken. Triangulation ensured validity across qualitative narratives, operational statistics, and economic indicators.
FINDINGS: Results show significant upstream-midstream trade-offs. While landfill diversion exceeded 90%, facility utilization averaged only 58.25%, and over 160,000 tons of refuse-derived fuel remained unsold due to unstable quality and limited market absorption. This paradox underscores the fragility of end-of-pipe solutions in circular economy contexts. Institutional assessment revealed the local public service agency governance model scored substantially higher (4.35/5) compared to the technical implementation unit system (2.7/5), suggesting improved fiscal autonomy and partnership flexibility. Stakeholder mapping highlighted asymmetrical power: cement factories and the state electricity company dominate refuse-derived fuel markets, while community-based waste management groups and households remain marginal actors. Financial analysis showed revenue dependency on household fees (more than 85%), leaving the system vulnerable to non-compliance. Scenario modeling indicated that refuse-derived fuel co-firing could reduce up to 140,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, representing United States Dollar 0.7–1.4 million in potential climate finance revenue if integrated with global carbon markets.
CONCLUSION: The study reveals that transforming the current technical implementation unit model into a public service agency significantly enhances fiscal autonomy and stakeholder coordination. We propose an integrated framework combining institutional reform, digital citizen engagement, and climate finance instruments. As a single case study focused on Banyumas Regency, the findings may have limited generalizability to regions with different governance or market contexts.