Socio-Technical Transformation of Indonesia’s National Food System: An Integrated Approach Based on Circular Supply Chain Management, Human Factors, and Agent-Based Modeling

This study proposed a socio-technical model to transform the national food system in Indonesia toward greater inclusiveness and sustainability.By integrating circular supply chain management (CSCM), macroergonomics, and human factors, the research examined how interactions among key stakeholders such as farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), consumers, and government shaped sustainability and equity outcomes.A mixed-methods approach combining thematic analysis (TA), social network analysis (SNA), and agent-based modelling (ABM) was employed to identify structural bottlenecks and leverage points for systemic change.Qualitative insights informed network structures and behavioral rules within the simulation model.The results indicated that MSMEs and consumers exerted strong systemic influence on behavioral change and redistribution potential despite their peripheral network positions, while government actors, though structurally powerful, exhibited limited embeddedness in day-to-day interactions.Simulation scenarios demonstrated that integrated interventions combining policy enforcement, education, and technology incentives yielded the greatest improvements, including reductions in food loss and waste (FLW), greater equity, and improved sustainability performance.The proposed interdisciplinary framework provides actionable guidance for policy design and system reconfiguration in emerging economies which are facing challenges from the complex food system.