A Psychologically Informed Communication Model for Empowering Farmers Affected by Infrastructure Development in Indonesia's Agricultural and Food Systems

¹ Study Program of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
² Extension and Development Communication Department, Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
³ Graduate Student Alumni of the Development Extension Study Program, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
⁴ Student of Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

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

Abstract

Top-down communication practices commonly used in implementation Indonesia's National Strategic Projects tend to position farmers affected by these programs as passive recipients of information rather than active stakeholders. This study develops a communication framework grounded in psychological perspectives and enriched with socio-psychological and participatory development approaches to address these limitations and promote more responsive-inclusive interaction. Using descriptive qualitative research design, the study focuses on farmers impacted by construction of Solo-Yogyakarta toll road in Klaten Regency. It combines in-depth interviews with key stakeholders (farmers, local community leaders, and project management representatives) with quantitative data gathered through structured surveys. The findings indicate that mutual engagement, cultural relevance, and message consistency significantly enhance comprehension, acceptance, and cooperation while reducing resistance to project implementation. By integrating psychological concepts and principles of interpersonal communication into the analysis stakeholder engagement in infrastructure projects, this study advances the field development communication and offers transferable model for field practitioners and policymakers. Importantly, the model highlights communication as strategic tool for safeguarding agricultural livelihoods, maintaining local food production, and strengthening resilience of Indonesia's food systems amid expanding infrastructure development. So, it provides conceptual and practical bridge between infrastructure governance and development sustainable food system centered on farmers.