Developing New Patron-Client Relationships for Adaptive Socio-Ecological Resilience in Rural Indonesia Tomi Setiawan, Neneg Weti Isnawati, Hilman A. Halim, Bonti
Padjadjaran University
Abstract
The sustainability of rural livelihoods in Indonesia faces issues of poverty, ecological degradation, and ambivalent patron-client relationships that provide access to capital and markets, but at the same time reinforce dependence and decision-making biases that are detrimental to the environment. Existing literature tends to separate power analysis from socio-ecological resilience discourse, resulting in technocratic solutions that fail to consider historical or social contexts. This study aims to formulate a conceptual framework and policy recommendations to transform patronage into an instrument of adaptive resilience through the integration of political ecology, social network analysis, and socio-ecological systems thinking within the framework of the ^Resilience-Power Nexus.^ The method employed is the Integrated Literature Review (ILR) with the PRISMA 2020 protocol for reputable publications. From more than 350 articles, around 40 key studies were filtered and then analyzed through a historical-critical approach, thematic synthesis, and contradiction reading, and triangulated with ethnography, policy analysis, and cross-sector quantitative studies. The results indicate the existence of a typology of patronage based on ecological impact: monopolistic patterns that control inputs and distribution trigger deforestation, land degradation, and livelihood vulnerability, while patterns that open up space for deliberation, collective supervision, and equitable distribution of benefits increase sustainability. The study also identifies an ^institutional sweet spot^ consisting of medium social network density, rapid ecological feedback mechanisms, and legitimate social sanctions to strengthen community adaptive capacity. In conclusion, patronage is not necessarily exploitative. Still, it can become a driver of resilience if structured through local checks-and-balances mechanisms, incentives based on ecological protection, and the strengthening of adaptive institutions.
