COOPERATIVES FOR CHANGE: MAPPING THREE DECADES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN INDONESIA

Abstract

This study explores the role of cooperatives in supporting sustainable development in Indonesia through a bibliometric and thematic analysis of 84 scholarly articles published between 1992 and 2025. The findings are categorized into four main clusters: (1) collective action and local participation, (2) community empowerment and inclusive economy, (3) financial inclusion, MSMEs, and socio-environmental issues, and (4) smallholder cooperatives and sustainable agricultural value chains. Each cluster reflects the multifaceted functions of cooperatives as not only economic entities but also social institutions that promote community participation, social justice, and ecological sustainability. The analysis identifies key research gaps, including limited longitudinal studies, a lack of quantitative impact evaluations, underexplored digital innovations, and internal governance challenges. Future research is recommended to focus on cooperative governance, digital transformation, inclusion of marginalized groups, and policy effectiveness. Overall, this study highlights the strategic potential of cooperatives as grassroots agents of sustainable and inclusive development in Indonesia