Breaking the Silos: A Cross-Sectoral Analysis of Disconnected Practices in Indonesia’s Agri-Food-Tourism Value

Abstract

Indonesia’s agri-food value chain, particularly in tourism-focused regions, suffers from systemic fragmentation across its actors. This study focuses on three regions representing distinct stages of tourism development: Bali (mature), West Nusa Tenggara (emerging), and North Sulawesi (nascent). T hese varying contexts offer insight into how tourism maturity shapes value chain coordination among farmers, in-chain intermediaries, and HORECA (hotel, restaurant, catering) sectors. Disconnected practices across these actors hinder efficiency, innovation, and equitable participation—especially for smallholder producers. A mixed-methods design was employed to analyze cross-sector dynamics in the selected regions. Data were collected through structured surveys, semi-structured interviews, and participatory workshops involving stakeholders from the farmer, in-chain, and HORECA segments. T he study examined patterns of communication, collaboration, risk distribution, and institutional support along the value chain. Across all regions, informal and short-term arrangements dominate, limiting trust, transparency, and strategic coordination. Smallholder farmers face limited access to market feedback and bear disproportionate risk. In-chain and HORECA actors often operate independently of upstream realities, and innovations remain isolated. Institutional mechanisms to foster systemic learning or traceability are largely absent. The research underscores how tourism development stage influences the depth and quality of agri-food value chain integration. While Bali exhibits slightly more developed linkages, fragmentation remains prevalent in all contexts. Addressing these silos requires regionally sensitive reforms that foster long-term partnerships, formal agreements, and structured feedback systems. Building cross-sector collaboration is essential to advancing a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food-tourism system in Indonesia.