Interpersonal Communication’s Role in Sustainable CSR: A Central Java Systematic Review

This systematic literature review investigates the critical role of interpersonal communication in fostering successful and sustainable CSR initiatives within Central Java, Indonesia. While CSR is increasingly recognized as vital for sustainable development, its effective implementation often hinges on culturally sensitive and genuinely engaging communication with local communities. This review specifically examines how face-to-face interactions, dialogue, and relationship-building processes facilitate the acceptance and integration of local wisdom into CSR programs. Guided by the research question, “How do interpersonal communication processes mediate the effectiveness of sustainable CSR initiatives, through the integration of local wisdom, in Central Java, Indonesia?”, this review systematically searches academic databases including Scopus and articles on Google Scholar for relevant peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025. Initial findings suggest that interpersonal communication is crucial for building trust, fostering community engagement, and ensuring the cultural relevance of CSR activities. Studies highlight the importance of local opinion leaders, community dialogues (musyawarah), and culturally sensitive approaches in bridging corporate objectives with community needs and traditional knowledge (kearian lokal). The review concludes that prioritizing authentic interpersonal communication is not merely an operational detail but a fundamental prerequisite for CSR initiatives to achieve genuine and lasting sustainable impact in culturally rich and community-oriented contexts like Central Java. This paper delivered valuable insights for corporations, policymakers, and local communities aiming to enhance the efficacy and cultural relevance of sustainable development efforts.