Journal of Governance
Volume 11 Issue 1: (2026)

Interest Group Coalition in Decision-Making Processes: An Opposition to Agricultural Land Conversion in West Java, Indonesia

Rijal Ramdani (Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta)
Geron Christian Pelayo (Mindanao States University - Iligan Institute of Technology)
Kevin Arya Pranaja (Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta)
Bagaskoro Nur Abu Yogar (Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Mar 2026

Abstract

Interest group coalitions play a pivotal role in shaping the decision-making process across various policy domains. This study analyzes how a coalition of interest groups can be formed and what factors unite them that enable them to influence the public policy-making processes. The research was conducted in Subang, West Java (one of the largest rice production regions in Indonesia), where a coalition of interest groups known as the People’s Coalition for the Constitution (Koalisi Rakyat untuk Konstitusi or KORSI) opposed the proposal of three new industrial zones during the local legislative processes. Data for the study were collected through 1) in-depth interviews with key actors involved in the coalition and the legislative processes, 2) participant observations, and 3) document analysis. The study reveals that the formation of the coalition was influenced by shared issues, closed interactions, trust, egalitarianism, interdependence, value agreement, and deliberation. The oppositional stance to reject the new industrial zones proposal became a common ground that united various interest groups within the KORSI. The coalition was further strengthened by the intensity of interactions, mutual trust, and a sense of equality among its members, as well as an awareness of each organization’s limitations, which fostered recognition of their interdependence. Moreover, the coalition remained deliberative toward any organization willing to join, thereby expanding its network and enhancing its capacity to influence public policymaking processes.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jog

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Governance (JOG) is published by the Faculty of Social and Political Science Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa collaborate with KAPSIPI (Kesatuan Asosiasi Program Studi Ilmu Pemerintahan Indonesia) for reviewer, its main aim to spread critical and original analysis from researchers and ...