Diagnostic multidimensional scaling of institutional and environmental sustainability in a regional public rice enterprise

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In developing countries, regional public enterprises are progressively anticipated to serve as catalysts for environmental sustainability within agricultural systems. The study objectives were to apply a multidimensional scaling framework to evaluate the sustainability performance of a regional enterprise in Indonesia across five interconnected dimensions: environmental-agricultural, agrotechnology, institutional, business opportunity, and social.METHODS: A mixed-methods framework integrated primary data collected through structured interviews involving farmers, business owners, and stakeholders, alongside secondary data derived from literature and government reports. The multidimensional Scaling method, implemented using the Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries program, was employed to examine 38 attributes spanning five dimensions of sustainability. To validate the results and confirm data reliability, a Monte Carlo analysis was carried outFINDINGS: The calculated sustainability index for rice farming indicates moderate sustainability in regional public enterprises. The overall sustainability index was 46.60 percent. This score represents a status that is categorized as less sustainable based on the defined classification (25.01 to 50 percent represent less sustainable). It highlights fragmented sustainability efforts across environmental (46.31 percent), technological (50.07 percent), institutional (43.91 percent), business (48.37 percent), and social (44.34 percent) dimensions. Key leverage factors identified were the adoption of environmentally friendly technology (4.92 percent), production and marketing capacity (2.87 percent), water use efficiency (2.93 percent), staff well-being (1.20 percent), and enterprise risk management (1.40 percent). These observations demonstrate the mutual dependence of environmental and non-environmental components in securing sustainability. Despite existing environmental efforts, implementation remains fragmented due to insufficient infrastructure, low awareness, and weak institutional commitment.CONCLUSION: A multidimensional scaling method was used to assess sustainability performance in the regional agriculture sector. Considerable shortcomings were detected in environmental performance, institutional integration, and technology readiness. Addressing these gaps requires coordinated governance, infrastructure investment, and strategic alignment with sustainability objectives. These results provide analytical insights for evaluating sustainability in public enterprises and serve as practical guidance for harmonizing institutional performance with environmental stewardship. The results support progress toward Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 13 (Climate Action) by emphasizing the value of integrated assessment approaches for guiding the transition toward low-carbon agricultural practices. Proposed policies emphasize the importance of investing in post-harvest technology, enhanced digital marketing and rural infrastructure, stronger farmer organizations, improved risk management, and sustainable environmental practices. Encouraging reforms in governance, inter-sector collaboration, and of policies is vital for facilitating systemic transformation.