The role of global actors in the sustainability of upstream–downstream integration in the silk agribusiness

2.1 Interactions of global actors in the supply chain

Actors are institutions, groups, or individuals that play a central role in the system [30]. Actors play an important role in the development of a system through their ability to organize resources and directly influence the outcomes of the system [31]. Each actor has characteristics that indicate their power to influence the policy process [29]. A role can be understood as a series of identifiable actions and attitudes adopted by an actor in response to recurring situations [32]. Actors require resources to maintain their existence and protect their interests, which form a communication network between them. The approach to interaction between actors begins with the social environment in which the actor relates to other actors [33]. Collaboration and synergy between stakeholders through their respective roles and support can contribute to program sustainability [34]. The development of new knowledge configurations through cross-stakeholder collaboration is crucial to addressing today’s sustainability challenges [35]. Each form of knowledge is composed of a number of more specific and in-depth sub-knowledge areas [36]. In this context, knowledge management plays a strategic role in strengthening innovation capacity among farmers [37]. It is also necessary to adjust the framework in the agricultural sector to suit its specific characteristics and needs, with the support of strategic planning, effective cost management, and comprehensive stakeholder involvement to strengthen capacity and increase acceptance [38].

The supply chain encompasses all activities related to meeting consumer needs, including the flow of goods from raw materials to final products, integrated with information and financial flows [39]. Mapping actors in the supply chain is necessary to identify the relative contributions of each actor in the interconnected system. This analysis helps to understand the dynamics of each actor’s role and support for the success of sustainable development programs [40]. Collaboration and cooperation among actors in the supply chain have been shown to have a positive impact on the continuity of programs in the future [41]. This collaboration can encourage economic growth, improve product quality, and ensure the equitable distribution of benefits to farmers [42]. Previous research also reinforces that idea that the collaborative involvement of all parties strengthens the ongoing empowerment process [35]. The development of a circular supply chain requires transformative changes that involve cross-collaboration between stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization [43]. Through close collaboration with supply chain stakeholders, companies can drive economic growth while preserving the environment and community welfare [44]. According to the study [45], improving the value chain can promote sustainable development. According to [46], studies on the sustainability of the New Silk Road are still dominated by economic perspectives, while social, ecological, and local sustainability aspects receive less attention. The involvement of actors in research is needed to ensure that project implementation is inclusive and environmentally friendly. Thus, the application of Actor Network Theory (ANT) principles can play a role in strengthening communication between actors, strengthening collaboration between supply chain nodes, and encouraging more efficient and coordinated management practices. ANT is a paradigmatic and methodological framework in sociology that seeks to understand and explain the complex and dynamic interactions between human and non-human actors in various sociotechnical systems [47], [48], [49], [50]. ANT is gaining attention in supply chain management studies because it offers a new perspective that challenges traditional approaches through three main principles: heterogeneity emphasizes the diversity of actors in a network, relationality highlights that meaning arises from relationships between actors, and finally, performativity shows that reality is formed through actions and interactions that occur in each episode of activity.

2.2 Upstream–downstream integration in the silk agribusiness

Natural silk is an activity developed in rural areas as an alternative source of income for the community [1], in line with decision-making efforts in planting alternative commodities aimed at increasing the income of agricultural actors and maintaining the sustainability of agricultural productivity at the local level [51]. Silk is a strategic commodity. Silk plays an important role as a raw material for the national textile industry and is a source of livelihood for communities from upstream to downstream industries [14]. The development of the silk agribusiness is necessary to meet the needs of the national textile industry, which has thus far been fulfilled by imports. Silk is currently considered the world’s leading textile material because of its high appeal, luster, and ability to bind chemical dyes. Despite facing fierce competition from synthetic fibers, silk has maintained its superiority in the production of luxury clothing and high-quality specialty items [52]. As it develops in the international market, sustainable silk cultivation practices increasingly emphasize the use of natural and environmentally friendly technologies in the production process and its application [3]. The application of circular economy principles, such as innovative and durable product design, reduced chemical use, silk fabric reuse, and recycling promotion, are key to optimizing resources and minimizing waste [39]. Their implementation requires social innovation to change social practices (attitudes, behaviors, and collaborative networks) and is always associated with the involvement of civil society actors [53]. This is even believed to bring about improvements that have the potential to change the direction towards sustainability [54].

Silk agribusiness consists of a series of interrelated upstream and downstream subsystems. Activities in the upstream subsystem include mulberry cultivation (Morus sp.), silkworm rearing (Bombyx mori L), cocoon processing, and silk thread harvesting, each of which can be carried out with consideration for the silkworm environment [18], [19], [20]. Downstream subsystem activities consist of spinning cocoons into silk threads, weaving them into silk fabric, and marketing the product. Natural silk activities, from mulberry cultivation to product marketing, involve farmers, spinners, weavers, weaving entrepreneurs, fabric and sarong traders, silkworm egg importers, and government stakeholders [14]. The integration of upstream and downstream agribusiness is important for understanding a series of systems. In a series of systems, all components must function for the system to operate smoothly [55]. The coordination, integration, and management of business processes between actors in the supply chain are necessary to balance the distribution of profits and risks between the upstream and downstream sectors [39]. Supply chain integration involves harmonious coordination and collaboration among partners in the supply chain to optimize efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve overall performance [56], 57].

3.1 Research location

This study was conducted in the Soppeng and Wajo Regencies of South Sulawesi Province, as shown in Figure 1. These locations were selected purposively, considering that the area is a major region for natural silk development in the province.

Figure 1:

Map of the research location in Soppeng and Wajo Regencies, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Source: Modified from Wikimedia, accessed July 5, 2025.

3.2 Research design

This study used a qualitative approach and a case study method. The case study method is a research strategy in which the researcher carefully investigates the events, activities, processes, and programs of a group or an individual. Case studies are limited by space and time, and complete information was collected using various data collection procedures based on a predetermined time frame [58]. The case units in this study are upstream–downstream integration in the silk agribusiness in Soppeng and Wajo Regencies, where interactions between local and global actors take place.

3.3 Data collection

Informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, which involved deliberately selecting informants rather than randomly [59]. According to [60], purposive sampling is one of the most common strategies for determining informants in qualitative research, which involves determining the group of participants who will become informants based on criteria relevant to the research problem. To provide adequate data, informants were selected based on the criteria of having at least five years of experience as either upstream or downstream actors, being willing to be interviewed, and providing information openly. These criteria were determined to obtain representative and in-depth data on the dynamics of the silk agribusiness system before and after the arrival of global actors. According to [61], snowball sampling is a data source sampling technique that starts with a small number of sources and gradually expands the number of sources. Informants were selected based on their knowledge and involvement in the natural silk agribusiness system, whereby initial informants recommended other relevant informants who were directly involved in the natural silk value chain, which was then expanded through referrals from previous informants. This approach was used by researchers to reach key actors at various upstream and downstream levels and to follow the entire production flow through the expansion of the informant network until no new meaningful information was found.

A total of 22 informants consisting of 10 silk agribusiness actors upstream, 10 silk agribusiness actors downstream, and 2 people from government agencies were interviewed. This number was determined based on the data saturation achieved through repeated analysis and cross-confirmation between sources during the field research. Data for this study were obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation. The information collected was then triangulated to check for consistency and validity between sources, minimize potential subject bias, and obtain a more complete understanding. This triangulation process was used to determine the point of data saturation. According to [62], data saturation is achieved when no new data/codes emerge in the last three interviews, and information from three new informants no longer produces findings that are substantially different from the previous data, indicating the stability of the main categories and themes of the study.

The interview began with an introduction and asking the informant’s willingness to be interviewed. The interviews lasted between 30 and 90 min, and all information was recorded and transcribed. In addition, observations were conducted directly at the location to observe the activities of agribusiness actors firsthand. The time horizon of this study used a cross-sectional study approach, which was conducted once on each subject [63]. The data collection process was conducted through interviews over five months, from February to June 2025.

3.4 Informed consent

All informants received an explanation of the research objectives, the nature of their involvement, and their right to withdraw at any time without consequence. Consent was obtained verbally and in writing prior to the interview. Confidentiality was maintained by disguising identities using pseudonyms, and personal data were stored securely. The researcher sought to minimize relational inequality during the interviews through a participatory and empathetic approach, creating a comfortable atmosphere for the informants to share their views openly.

3.5 Ethical approval

This research was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Graduate School of Hasanuddin University (Approval No. 01206/UN4.20.1/PT.01.04/2025 and 01202/UN4.20.1/PT.01.04/2025). The researchers have also obtained permission from the government office at the research location (Approval No. 42/IP/DPMPTNT/II/2025 and 0094/IP/DPMPTSP/2025).

3.6 Data analysis

According to [64], data analysis is a systematic process of reviewing and collecting interview transcripts, field notes, documentation, and other materials to deepen understanding of the research focus, whether from observations, interviews, or documentation, to be used as the research findings. In this study, the researcher used ATLAS.ti 9 software to minimize the possibility of subjective errors in processing the data. ATLAS.ti is software that supports the qualitative data analysis process through location determination, coding or tagging, and annotation of elements in unstructured data sets. The data analysis process consists of several stages (Figure 2) [1]. Importing interview transcripts and field notes into the Atlas.ti software [2]. Creating categories or coding to organize codes and themes. The first coding process is open coding, which is the process of assigning codes to units of meaning relevant to the research focus. Second, axial coding [65], explains that axial coding is an advanced stage of analysis from open coding, which is carried out through a process of filtering, refining, and integrating the results of open coding. This stage aims to group codes that are related into categories or sub-themes, so that patterns of relationships between codes begin to form. Finally, selective coding is the process of selecting and integrating categories into main themes that comprehensively explain the research phenomenon [3]. Create data visualizations to clarify the relationships between themes and track the analysis to ensure the transparency, credibility, and replicability of the research results [66]. Reference [4] presenting data and interpretations in the form of reports accompanied by direct quotations from informants to support arguments. ATLAS.ti is widely used by researchers in various fields because of its ability to manage various types of data, including text, images, audio, videos, and geospatial data [67]. According to [68], using ATLAS.ti software in qualitative research provides significant benefits in facilitating a more systematic and in-depth data analysis process. ATLAS.ti features allow researchers to manage complex data, identify themes and patterns, and make more structured and accurate interpretations.

Figure 2:

Stages of data analysis using the Atlas.ti 9 application. Source: Modified from Canva.

4.1 The role of global actors in the natural silk agribusiness upstream

Amidst the efforts to revive the glory of silk in South Sulawesi, many parties have been working to restart the natural silk production cycle. This occurs in the context of high demand for silk thread that is not matched by available production. The decline in activity in the upstream sector, particularly in mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing, indicates that most farmers have abandoned this business after the government assistance programs were discontinued. The presence of global actors shows a new dynamic, marked by increased demand for silk thread from India. This demand has been able to absorb thread stocks that were previously unsold, including thread that had been distributed from Soppeng Regency to Wajo Regency, to meet the volume of demand for export. This was facilitated by a silk activist, who stated the following:

In 2022, I happened to have an old acquaintance from India named Mr. T who wanted to revive the silk industry. He absorbed all the yarn from farmers that had not been sold during the Covid-19 pandemic. At that time, there was a demand for 600 kg of yarn from India, so he not only bought yarn from weavers, but he also requested a supply of yarn from yarn shops in Sengkang (the capital of Wajo Regency). (AM, silk activist and local seed supplier).

The presence of global actors in 2022, particularly from India and China, has become a turning point in reviving upstream activities, namely silkworm cultivation in Soppeng Regency. The entry of Chinese companies was initiated by an Indian entrepreneur who introduced this region’s potential to his Chinese business partners. The network has led to direct partnerships between foreign companies and local farmers. The partnership agreement stipulated that 70 % of cocoon production would be allocated for export to China, while the remaining 30 % would be absorbed by the domestic market, particularly through purchases by the South Sulawesi Provincial Government. A local seed supplier illustrated the followings.

In 2023, my boss from China brought seeds and guaranteed to buy back the farmers’ cocoons with an agreement that 70% would be for export and 30% for local needs. In 2025, all of our cocoon production will be absorbed by the export market. (A, Chinese Company Seed Supplier)

The role of global actors in upstream silk agribusiness activities in the Soppeng Regency consists of several categories, as shown in Table 1.

4.2 The role of global actors in the downstream natural silk agribusiness

The obstacle in the downstream activities of the silk woven fabric agribusiness in the Wajo Regency is the marketing of authentic woven fabrics. This is because of weak market demand and a significant decline in the availability of authentic silk raw materials, which has led to a decrease in production volume. Although the market prospects for woven silk fabrics remain high, the scarcity of raw materials is a major factor hindering their business development. The production of authentic silk woven fabrics is currently limited and only occurs when there are orders from consumers. This is because of the high price of authentic silk products, which is not commensurate with the community’s purchasing power. The following are statements from several informants regarding this (Table 2).

We only weave genuine silk products when there are orders for them. This is because genuine silk products are expensive. Moreover, raw materials are difficult to obtain and require more intensive care. (H. B, Silk Fabric Store Owner).

The current market outlook is still good, even though buyer interest has declined. One reason for this is the availability of numerous traditional clothing rental services. Five years ago, there was still a high demand for fabric for various events, but since the emergence of rental services, fabric sales have declined. (I.M., Silk Fabric Seller).

The presence of global players has indirectly provides a supply of high-quality silk thread at relatively competitive prices as can be seen in Table 2. Imported silk threads from China and local silk thread differ in terms of price and quality. Although imported thread is more expensive than local thread, it is of more consistent quality, characterized by a uniform thread size and stable spinning results. This is in contrast to the local yarn, which often shows irregular sizes, making the weaving process difficult and affecting the quality of the resulting fabric. This inconsistency also influences consumer preferences for the final products This condition reflects the superiority of globally produced imported silk yarn in the silk supply chain through the use of modern spinning technology. Local yarn production still relies on manual processes that are limited in terms of efficiency and quality consistency. The presence of imported silk yarn not only affects the market structure but also indirectly becomes a benchmark for quality, affecting the competitiveness of local silk products in the domestic market. The following is a statement from a weaver who supported this statement:

The genuine silk thread I currently use is imported from China. Compared to the price of local thread, it is more expensive, ranging from Rp. 1,300,000 to 1,500,000, while local silk thread costs around Rp. 700,000 to 800,000. The quality of the thread is very different, as can be seen from the thickness of the thread produced by twisting. Imported threads from China are all of the same thickness, whereas local threads sometimes vary in thickness. This makes it difficult for weavers and affects the quality of the fabric produced, which buyers do not like (H. D, Weaver).

4.3 Actor interactions in the upstream–downstream integration of the silk agribusiness

The integration of the natural silk agribusiness between the upstream region of Soppeng and the downstream region of Wajo can be traced through the flow of output in the form of thread from Soppeng to Wajo, followed by the flow of money from downstream to upstream in the form of thread purchase transactions can be seen in Figure 3. This relationship reflects the economic link between the two regions in the silk agribusiness system. In the upstream sector, the sustainability of silk farmers’ businesses is inseparable from the presence of global actors, namely Chinese companies, which provide inputs for cultivation in the form of silkworm seeds, mulberry plants, reeling equipment, and guaranteed purchases of cocoons from partner farmers. Production activities in the upstream sector in recent years have occurred because of the support of global companies’ partnerships with farmers, not because of the structural strength of local actors. Market dynamics show that during certain periods, particularly when the supply of thread from Soppeng declined because of reduced silkworm production by farmers, production activities in Wajo continued because of the supply of imported thread from China and India. These countries acted as alternative suppliers of raw materials, enabling the continuity of the silk weaving industry, even though local production faced constraints in meeting market demand. A government official in Soppeng expressed concern about this in the following statement.

Actually, it is the upstream that must be maintained. This is because if there is no more thread supply from Soppeng, we can still import thread, and the downstream weaving process can still continue. However, the current situation in Soppeng is that most producers are selling raw silk cocoons to China. Therefore, the future challenge is how to resume silk thread production for spinning and weaving. (M. A, Government Staff of Wajo Regency).

Figure 3:

Relationships between actors in the silk agribusiness supply chain.

The role of actors in the upstream sector can be seen in the continued existence of local production activities that originate from the use of domestically produced silkworm seeds with a profit-sharing scheme for farmers to cover the cost of seeds and hatching silkworms. This shows that local actors continue to perform their productive functions in the silk agribusiness system. Although local production in Soppeng is relatively small in volume, it still flows to Wajo in the form of yarn to be woven into silk fabric. This demonstrates the existence of a historically sustained domestic integration channel. However, the entry of global actors has introduced new dynamics to this system. On the one hand, the involvement of global actors contributes to maintaining the continuity of cocoon production through support for production inputs, markets and export demand. However, on the other hand, this poses challenges to independence and causes dependence, leading to a shift in the production structure, whereby cocoons that were previously spun into yarn at the local level are now exported directly without going through the spinning process. Consequently, the availability of raw materials for the spinning industry has become limited, and the role of local spinners as an important part of the silk agribusiness value chain has been marginalized, threatening the sustainability of their businesses. The shift in production orientation towards raw cocoon exports has significant social implications for the sustainability of local livelihoods, especially for spinners who have long depended on silk thread spinning activities. The loss of spinning activities also has an impact on household income. Spinning work has shifted to become an unattractive livelihood option because it is not economically promising. Many spinners have switched to other more profitable jobs, considering the effort and benefits they receive.

Farmers now sell their cocoons directly to China. I used to spin, and people would bring their cocoons here, but that is rarely done now because they are sold in the form of cocoons. When I spin, I finish first and then ask the owner to take the thread. The problem now is that all the spinners don’t have cocoons to spin because they’ve been sold to China. Under the current conditions, this work has greatly decreased, not only because there are fewer cocoons but also because it’s not attractive anymore, especially since many people use non-silk materials locally called “sabbe-sabbe.” I have also started to leave this work and choose to sell at the market. (Hj. M Spinner)

The role of actors in the downstream sector can be seen in the use of yarn to produce silk-woven fabric. Yarn spun in Soppeng traditionally has lower quality and price compared to imported silk yarn, so it can only be used as weft (yarn that is installed horizontally and woven through the warp yarn to make fabric) in the silk fabric weaving process. This limitation in quality means that the yarn does not meet the standards for use as a warp (yarn that is placed vertically on the loom and forms the basis of the woven fabric), which requires greater strength and consistency. In this context, there has been an adaptive functional integration on the part of the weaving industry in Wajo, namely by combining local weft yarn from traditional spinners with imported warp yarn from China. This strategy is implemented to balance the production cost efficiency and quality assurance of woven products that meet market preferences. This integration demonstrates the synchronization of roles between local and global actors, where the role of local yarn is maintained as an important component, while the quality of imported yarn supports the production of woven fabrics with higher selling value. This integrative practice not only reflects a response to yarn quality disparities but also serves as a sustainability strategy that combines local resources with global inputs to maintain production continuity and product competitiveness in the market. Weavers and silk traders express it as follows.

The silk I use is authentic silk. For the authentic silk yarn, I order it from Mrs. R (Soppeng), while for the lusy yarn, I buy it at the Sengkang store (imported from China). Nowadays, local yarn is scarce because Chinese companies have taken over the cocoons in Soppeng. This is also difficult because the price of local yarn has increased, but the price of authentic silk fabric has not. (H. D, Weaver).

The production of authentic silk is also rare because, in addition to its higher price, it requires special care, as it cannot be washed directly and its colors can fade over time. The motifs that can be made are also limited, usually only tie-dye motifs. The raw silk thread from Soppeng is only used as feed, while the lusian thread is imported from China. (H. N, Silk Fabric Trader).

4.4 Global actors and the sustainability of the natural silk agribusiness supply chain

There are four main categories and twelve subcategories in the upstream–downstream integration of the silk agribusiness that is the focus of this study. The results show similarities in the interactions between actors upstream and downstream, namely silkworm cultivation inputs and raw materials for weaving, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4:

Categories and subcategories related to the roles of global actors in upstream–downstream integration.

The sustainability of upstream–downstream integration in the natural silk agribusiness in this region is not entirely based on the internal synergy between local actors. It is greatly influenced by the presence of global actors who play a strategic role as the main drivers of the sustainability of the upstream production system. The integration between the upstream and downstream sectors, which was initially locally based, began to undergo structural changes with the entry of external interventions. This is consistent with the principle of performativity in ANT. In the context of supply chain management, this principle challenges the notion that integration is a predetermined outcome. Instead, ANT views integration as an ongoing achievement that emerges from the interactions and translations among actors in specific practices. Integration is not a static state, but a dynamic and evolving process over time [47], 48], 50], 69]. The assistance provided by global actors in the upstream sector, such as the provision of silkworm seeds, mulberry plants, cocooning equipment, and guaranteed cocoon purchases, has increased silkworm farmers’ production and impacted farmers’ social and environmental income. This is in line with the research [70] that silkworm farming in China, Brazil, and India has successfully increased agricultural yields and smallholder farmers’ income through income diversification with low initial costs. Furthermore, sericulture has the potential to contribute to the development of developing countries through the implementation of a sustainable circular economy and can reduce carbon emissions if the supply chain is managed carefully and efficiently. Research [71] has shown that one of the factors that can determine success in silkworm rearing is the use of superior silkworm seeds. Furthermore, according to [72], 73], the availability of silkworm feed, namely mulberry leaves, is crucial to ensure healthy silkworm growth. High-quality, high-quantity, and high-productivity mulberry leaves as silkworm feed will affect the production and quality of the cocoons produced [74], 75]. The expansion of mulberry cultivation for silkworm feed can positively impact environmental conservation, as mulberry trees are conservation plants that can improve water and soil quality [76] and enhance air quality through carbon absorption [77]. Additionally, high biomass production makes it more suitable and adoptable for cultivation in environments contaminated with various soil pollutants [78], 79]. It also plays a significant role in environmental cleanup through the bioremediation of contaminated sites (soil, air, and water) and carbon sequestration [80]. The material and structure of the cocooning site greatly influence the temperature and humidity that affect the quality of the cocoons and filaments, as well as the labor required for cocooning and harvesting the cocoons [81].

Silkworm farming is an economically viable alternative for both women and men because it can be done around the home and provides a source of income. The involvement of men and women in the natural silk industry in South Sulawesi can contribute to household income [82]. This can be seen from the amount of time women spend working in each subsystem of the natural silk agribusiness, starting from the initial stages of mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing to spinning, weaving, and the production and distribution of silk fabrics. Women are extensively involved in various aspects of the silk industry [83]. The role of women in the silk cultivation process in India is extraordinary in helping to reduce unemployment, which is a problem among rural women. The involvement of women in the household confirms that silk cultivation not only improves the welfare of the poor but also functions in activities that promote gender equality in rural India [84].

As global actors, Chinese companies have driven competitive natural silk production in the international market and created new dependencies for farmers on external resources. This is consistent with the finding [85] that the proactive involvement of external parties in a supply chain can generate competitive advantages and encourage competition by creating a need to emulate sustainable practices. Silkworm farmers in Soppeng are geared toward exporting cocoons, that can shift the orientation of agribusiness from the domestic scale to the global market. This transformation not only impacts the technical aspects of production but also reshapes power relations and networks within the natural silk agribusiness system. Global actors have succeeded in playing a dominant role in the function of input providers, replacing the role of local actors and the state, which has not been optimal in supporting the sustainability of silk cultivation. According to [86], 87], this shows how the different characteristics and activities of global actors enable them to exert a strong and widespread influence throughout the world and in regions that were previously the exclusive domain of the state.

The dominance of global actors in the natural silk agribusiness supply chain has shown the limited sustainability of local actors. Although local production continues, its role has become secondary to a system controlled by the interests of global actors operating within the framework of the global value chain. According to [88], the application of the concept of sustainable economy in the supply chain can face several obstacles owing to the behavior and interactions of actors in the supply chain. This is in line with the relational principle in ANT, which does not assume that the structure of the supply chain exists a priori to its construction. Instead, this theory studies how structures are formed through relational interactions. This approach differs from the functionalist perspective, which views the supply chain as a pre-designed system with predetermined roles [47], 48], 50], 69]. As a result, the role of local actors in regulating the flow of products and value in the silk agribusiness chain has begun to be displaced by global actors, as seen in the power and interest relations between local and global actors. This is in line with the opinion [89] that power is created between actors, in which power relations are not only in the form of powerful actors but can also be in the form of who controls and who is controlled. In the context of upstream–downstream integration, the production inputs provided by global actors enable the continuity of cocoon supply for export and local needs, while reviving the upstream chain that was previously disrupted due to weak input and market support.

The role of global actors influences the direction of production and transaction patterns in the upstream sector, particularly in the procurement of silkworm seeds and the purchase of raw cocoons for export. Dependence on global markets and actors can weaken local governments’ ability to regulate production mechanisms and manage local resources. In the long term, this condition can create structural vulnerability when fluctuations in demand or import policies of partner countries have a direct impact on farmers’ incomes due to external changes. This is in line with the opinion [11] that there are many challenges in the development of silkworms in Indonesia, both at the upstream and downstream levels; therefore, commitment, cooperation, and action from all stakeholders are needed to improve silkworm development. Local governments can strengthen local institutions and production independence through sustainable practices, such as sustainable practices in the silk and textile industries in Europe, which require strong collaboration between farmers, stakeholders, and local governments. This synergy must be maintained through close relationships with the central government and non-governmental organizations so that best practices can be implemented responsibly at every level and throughout the production cycle [90].

The intervention of global actors plays an important role in maintaining the sustainability of cocoon production, but on the other hand, it poses challenges to the independence and internal capacity of local actors. This dependence has structural consequences, one of which is the marginalization of local actors, such as those involved in yarn spinning. The results of the study [91] conclude that the long-term influence of global actors can increase local unemployment. This occurs because farmers’ production, which is usually spun into yarn, is now exported directly in the form of cocoons without going through the spinning process at the local level. Raw materials for spinning have become scarce, thus reducing the role and contribution of local actors in the silk agribusiness chain. This is in line with the findings [92] that the roles, activities, and interaction patterns of actors in the supply chain are key factors that determine the success of a system. Farmers’ dependence on global inputs has become a new reality that shapes the direction of natural silk agribusiness sustainability at the local level. According to [93], sustainability is an important element in designing supply chain networks, although ensuring sustainability across the entire value chain is difficult and requires collaborative efforts and transparency among stakeholders [94]. Upstream and downstream integration no longer depends entirely on synergies between local regions but is increasingly determined by the intervention and involvement of external parties with access to technology, superior seeds, and international markets. This approach is in line with the principle of heterogeneity in network actor theory, which asserts that every actor, whether human or non-human, has the ability to act and should be treated seriously [47], 48], 50], 95]. In the context of supply chain management, technology, processes, and inanimate objects can play an important role in shaping the supply chain. This differs from the traditional supply chain management approach, which often places greater emphasis on the role of human actors [47], [48], [49], [50]. The role of global actors downstream through the supply of high-quality yarn is a key factor in overcoming local quality disparities while strengthening product competitiveness through international trade networks. This is in line with the findings [96] that integration with external partners, including suppliers and customers, significantly affects producers’ quality practices and performance. In the context of global competition, quality is not solely the responsibility of the end producer, but is a shared commitment of the entire supply chain to ensure customer satisfaction.