Community Relations Strategy at PT Tirta Investama (Danone-Aqua) in Building a Social License to Operate through a Community Empowerment-Based Agroforestry Program

Vira Indah Nugraini; Maylina Cahyaningtyas; Pramudya Ibnu Subrata

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jgi.002143

Authors

Vira Indah Nugraini Universitas Slamet Riyadi
Maylina Cahyaningtyas Universitas Slamet Riyadi
Pramudya Ibnu Subrata
udapramudya12@gmail.com
Universitas Slamet Riyadi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56741/IISTR.jgi.002143

Keywords:

Agroforestry Program, Community Engagement, community Relations, Corporate Legitimacy, Public Relations Strategy, Social License

Abstract

This study develops a conceptual framework explaining how community relations strategies contribute to building a social license to operate (SLO) through an agroforestry-based community empowerment program implemented by PT Tirta Investama (Danone-Aqua). The rapid growth of Indonesia’s bottled water industry has raised concerns regarding environmental impacts and unequal access to water resources. Consequently, companies in natural resource-based sectors must not only comply with formal regulations but also secure social acceptance from local communities. This study adopts a conceptual approach using a systematic literature review, integrating perspectives from public relations (PR), stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, and SLO. Data were collected from scientific journals, academic books, institutional reports, and company documents related to community relations and sustainability practices. The analysis employs concept mapping and theoretical synthesis to examine relationships among community engagement, dialogic communication, trust building, social legitimacy, and public acceptance. The findings indicate that community relations strategies emphasizing two-way communication, transparency, and active participation enhance community involvement, strengthen trust, and foster social legitimacy. Agroforestry-based empowerment programs function as collaborative mechanisms that generate shared value for both companies and communities. Thus, community relations serve not only as a communication strategy for reputation building but also as a critical mechanism for obtaining and sustaining SLO, ultimately supporting long-term operational sustainability.

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Author Biographies

Vira Indah Nugraini, Universitas Slamet Riyadi

is an active undergraduate student in the Management Study Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Slamet Riyadi, Surakarta. Her research interests focus on corporate financial planning, strategic business management, and organizational communication. Вedicated to exploring how public relations functions serve as a strategic mechanism in building social license to operate (SLO) and maintaining corporate legitimacy, she actively examines the intersection between community empowerment and industrial sustainability. (email: indahvira37@gmail.com).

Maylina Cahyaningtyas, Universitas Slamet Riyadi

is an active undergraduate student in the Management Study Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Slamet Riyadi, Surakarta. Her research interests focus on corporate financial planning, strategic business management, and organizational communication. Вedicated to exploring how public relations functions serve as a strategic mechanism in building social license to operate (SLO) and maintaining corporate legitimacy, she actively examines the intersection between community empowerment and industrial sustainability. (email: chyaning27@gmail.com).

Pramudya Ibnu Subrata, Universitas Slamet Riyadi

is an academic and practitioner in management with degrees in Telecommunication and Informatics Business Management and a Master’s in Management (Digital Marketing) from Telkom University. He is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Economics (Management) at Universitas Sebelas Maret. His expertise includes startups and digital business strategies. He has teaching experience in marketing and economic mathematics, leadership roles in student organizations, QRMO certification, and national-level sports achievements. (email: udapramudya12@gmail.com).

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