From trust to collective action: Social capital and communication in community-based rat eradication (‘gropyokan tikus’) for sustainable development in Indonesia

¹ Study Program of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta, Indonesia
² Center for Farmer Protection and Empowerment Studies, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: dwiningtyas_p@staff.uns.ac.id

Abstract

The ricefield rat (Rattus argentiventer) is one of the main pests that threatens agricultural productivity in Indonesia. The population is increasingly concerned due to the impact of climate change, including changes in rainfall patterns that affect population dynamics, and global warming, which extends the rat activity season. Farmers traditionally apply ‘gropyokan tikus’ as an environmentally friendly rat control, which reflects the social capital and communication practices of collective community action. This study aims to analyze the role of social capital and communication in encouraging collective action of ‘gropyokan tikus’. The research was conducted in Magelang Regency from May to June 2025 using a qualitative approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 informants. The results show that: (1) elements of social capital (trust, norms, reciprocity) enhance cooperation and solidarity among farmers, also strengthening community-based environmental management. (2) Interpersonal, group, and social media communication play a role in increasing understanding, mobilizing participation, and collective action during the planning and implementation of ‘gropyokan tikus’. (3) ‘Gropyokan tikus’ demonstrates the ability of local communities to adapt to climate change through more environmentally friendly pest control in a collective and coordinated manner.