Eduvest - Journal of Universal Studies
Vol. 6 No. 7 (2026): Eduvest - Journal of Universal Studies

Proposed B2B Marketing Strategy to Strengthen Industrial Customer Relationship: A Commitment-Trust Theory Approach at PLN UID East Java

Bayu Aswenda (Institut Teknologi Bandung)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Jul 2026

Abstract

PT PLN (Persero) UID East Java, the state utility serving Indonesia's second-largest industrial hub, faces an emerging challenge this study terms partial defection: customers do not switch away from PLN, but progressively reduce their share of wallet via rooftop photovoltaic (Rooftop PV) self-generation while staying grid-connected. Industrial Rooftop PV capacity grew roughly 200-fold, from 0.80 MWp (2020) to 163.82 MWp (April 2026), as carbon-border pressures and falling renewable costs reshape expectations toward integrated green solutions. This study proposes a B2B marketing strategy grounded in Commitment-Trust Theory Morgan & Hunt, the Key Mediating Variable (KMV) model examining PLN's internal-external conditions, four antecedents' influence on Trust and Commitment, their effect on Propensity to Leave and Cooperation, and the resulting strategy. PLS-SEM tested nine hypotheses on 300 industrial respondents (24 HV, 276 MV), followed by Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA), with frameworks converged through a SWOT/TOWS matrix. All nine hypotheses were supported; Communication was the strongest antecedent of Trust (β = 0.460), and Relationship Commitment the strongest determinant reducing Propensity to Leave (β = −0.577). IPMA identified Shared Values and Relationship Termination Cost as Tier 1 leverage, while beyond-kWh rivalry was HIGH and rising across four competitor categories. The proposed strategy synthesizes four Strategic Thrusts—Repositioning as Energy Transition Partner, PLN Group Orchestration, Digital-First B2B Infrastructure, and PAE Upskilling—decomposed into twelve sub-initiatives across a 0–24-month roadmap. The study validates KMV in a regulated-utility developing-country context, integrates IPMA as a B2B prioritization tool.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

edv

Publisher

Subject

Aerospace Engineering Computer Science & IT Health Professions Neuroscience Social Sciences

Description

Eduvest - Journal of Universal Studies is a double blind peer-reviewed academic journal and open access to multidiciplinary fields. The journal is published monthly by Green Publisher Indonesia. Eduvest - Journal of Universal Studies provides a means for sustained discussion of relevant issues that ...