Jurnal Impresi Indonesia (JII)
Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025
p-ISSN: 2828-1284 e-ISSN: 2810-062x
website: https: //rivierapublishing.id/JII/ index.php / jii /index
Doi: 10.58344/jii.v4i2.6319 1132
OPTIMIZING REFUGIA PLANTING AREAS AND INCREASING THE
FREQUENCY OF PREDATOR SIGHTINGS CAN INCREASE
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE RICE
PRODUCTION
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Swadaya Gunung Jati University, Indonesia
holidahfauziah05@gmail.com1, irpansdr@gmail.com2, ramagunawan13@gmail.com3,
wachdijono@ugj.ac.id4
Keywords
Abstract
goodness of fit, indicator,
predator, production rice,
refugia
Efforts to increase rice production in Indonesia are crucial due to the
country’s large population and heavy reliance on rice as a staple food.
While chemical pest control has been widely used, it is costly and
harmful to the environment. Therefore, alternative eco-friendly
approaches, such as utilizing refugia plants and predators, are needed.
This study aims to analyze the influence of refugia plants on predator
presence and their impact on rice production. The research is conducted
in Maleber, Kuningan Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Primary data
collection takes place from July to December 2024, with processing in
January 2025. This quantitative study employs a survey method with 120
randomly selected farmers who use refugia plants in rice cultivation.
Data is analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with
AMOS. The findings indicate a complete mediation effect, where refugia
plants significantly influence predator presence (0.93), which in turn
positively affects rice production (0.97). The most dominant indicator in
refugia variables is the embankment area allocated for refugia planting
(0.86), while in predator variables, it is the frequency of predator
sightings (0.86). These results suggest that environmentally friendly and
sustainable rice production can be improved by optimizing embankment
areas for refugia planting and enhancing predator populations in rice
fields.
Corresponding Author: Wachdijono
E-mail: wachdijono@ugj.ac.id
INTRODUCTION
Efforts to increase rice production in Indonesia are significant because of the large and
majority population's food, rice. However, efforts to increase the production of paddy face
various serious challenges, and one of them is the existence of attack pest plant rice, such as
mice, brown planthoppers, chocolate, and borer stem. The Presence of attack pests has caused
loss economic and non-economic issues Because of the impact on the decline results in harvest
until puso (failure) harvest ) (Umakamea et al., 2020). According to the Center for Forecasting
Plant Pest Organisms (BBPOPT, 2020), the Ministry of Agriculture Republic of Indonesia
reported that attack organisms that bully the main plant in the Rice in Season Rain (MT
2019/2020) in general national reaching 126,588.1 ha. Therefore, efforts to control pests that
attack plant rice above to produce paddy can be maintained or increased. (Azhari et al., 2021).
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1133
Efforts to overcome attack pests have Been made, especially in a chemical way, namely
with the use of pesticides. This method is very effective in the short-term but rated costly high
and destructive environments, such as pollution of land and water (Pimentel, 1995), damage to
biological diversity (Darimont et al., 2023; Gagic et al., 2016), and resistance pests (Septiani
& Aminah, 2021). Therefore, other efforts are required to be assessed as adequate. However, it
is a costly, cheaper, and friendly environment, namely, in a biological way, by utilizing refugia
plants and the presence of predators.
Refugia is a flowering plant planted on the embankment or around the land area, and it
functions as a habitat for predatory pest plants (Habibi & Fuadah, 2021). Therefore, refugia
can bring in predators to help reduce population pests in a way that improves the diversity of
life in land agriculture (Erdiansyah & Putri, 2017). Predators are organisms that eat, kill, or
prey pest plants so that they can control population pest plants in a way experience (Froneman,
2022; Johnson & Belk, 2020; O’Bryan et al., 2018; Ristyadi et al., 2022). The utilization of
refuge and predator plants to control the population of pest plant paddy has already been
implemented by farmers throughout Indonesia. However, its implementation is Still limited by
some farmer pioneers due to A lack of understanding farmer about the benefits of refugia and
its low level of socialization by the parties related (Pribadi et al., 2020), including utilization
of refugia in the Village Maleber Subdistrict Maleber Regency Kuningan, Province West Java,
Republic of Indonesia.
Village Maleber is a rural area on the tall plains (Supendi et al., 2023)and has become
one of the centers of rice production. Some farmer pioneers have utilized refugia plants as
controller pest garden rice, and some big farmers have not yet implemented it. Based on the
survey introduction to June 2024, know that farmers who have not utilized refugia plants due
to Not yet understanding the benefits of refugia plants that can control pests and increase the
production of rice require adequate socialization so that farmers can utilize refugia in assisting
their business. Even though Already There is a number of results study previously raised about
benefit refugia and predator plants to increase production rice , including : 1) Sakir & Desinta
(2019) explain use of refugia can increase results harvest up to 15.1% compared to land that
relies on pesticide chemistry; 2) Ristyadi et al., (Ristyadi et al., 2022), show that using predators
as a biological control method can reduce crop losses due to pests while increasing overall
production.; 3) Pribadi et al. (Pribadi et al., 2020) show that farmers have started to realize the
dangerous application of pesticide chemistry in a way that keeps going continuously and
improves understanding of the benefits of refuge plants in rice fields; 4) Pérez-Hedo et al.
(2022), predators such as species zoophytophagy can increase production plant tomatoes and
peppers; 5) Garcia et al., (2021), some species bird can increase production plants by pressing
pest invertebrate plants; 6) Lemaire et al., (2023)predators play a role in increase fertility land
and support productivity plant; and 7) O'Bryan et al., (O’Bryan et al., 2018), predators can
increase production plants by controlling population pests.
Based on the results of the previous Study, it was known that the method of frequent data
analysis used generally is descriptive and analytical regression. However, the method has
several weaknesses, such as not being capable of explaining role indicators correctly.
Therefore, this study used the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method with the help of
the Analysis Moment of Structural (AMOS) application, which is assessed more effectively
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1134
and specifically in explaining role indicators on the variables involved, especially for latent
variables. This allows more recommendations to be directed, especially in biological efforts,
such as using refugia and predator plants to increase rice production. The difference between
this research and the research previously lies in the method of data analysis used, namely the
application of SEM AMOS, so the research gap is raised in the form of a methodological gap
due to the existence of different method analysis where amos sem method is assessed more
well and comprehensive (Miles, 2017).
Based on previous studies, it is known that the commonly used data analysis methods are
descriptive and analytical regression, but this method has limitations in explaining the
relationship between variables in depth. Therefore, this study has a methodological gap, namely
by adopting Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS, which is considered more
effective in explaining the role of latent variables more specifically and accurately (Mil, 2017).
The novelty of this study lies in the use of the SEM-AMOS method to evaluate the
effectiveness of refugia and natural predators in increasing rice production more
comprehensively than previous approaches.
This study aims to analyze the relationship between the use of refugia and predators on
increasing rice production with the SEM-AMOS approach, as well as evaluate the level of
understanding and application of refugia by farmers. The benefits of this research include
scientific aspects, namely enriching the literature on environmentally friendly pest control
methods; economic, namely providing recommendations for pest management strategies that
are more cost-effective than the use of chemical pesticides; and practical, namely increasing
farmers' awareness of the importance of refugia in reducing the natural pest population. Thus,
this research is expected to provide more appropriate policy recommendations in supporting
sustainable agriculture and increasing rice production in Indonesia.
RESEARCH METHOD
This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method to measure the relationship
between the variables of the presence of refugia plants, the presence of predators, and rice
production. This study aims to analyze the influence of the presence of refugia and predators
on rice production in Maleber Village, Maleber District, Kuningan Regency, West Java
Province.
This study is explanatory, which aims to explain the causal relationship between the
independent variable (the presence of refugia) and the intermediate variable (the presence of
predators) to the bound variable (rice production). All three variables are latent, so they are
measured through specific indicators using the Likert Scale (5 = strongly agree to 1 = strongly
disagree).
The data in this study were collected through two main sources:
1. Primary data was obtained through a survey using a structured questionnaire to 120 farmers
who have used or have not used refugia as a pest control method. Sample selection was
carried out by the purposive sampling method based on the criteria of farmers who have
experience in rice farming systems and understand aspects of pest control.
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1135
2. Secondary data is obtained from literature studies, scientific journals, research reports, and
official documents from related agencies that discuss the role of refugia and predators in
the rice farming system.
Data analysis in this study uses the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach with
Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software. This technique was chosen because it is
able to test the relationship between latent variables in more depth and provides more accurate
analysis results than the usual regression method.
Steps in data analysis include:
1. Likert Scale Transformation – Given that the Likert scale is ordinal, it is converted to an
interval scale using the Method of Successive Interval (MSI) to qualify for SEM analysis.
2. Structural Model Testing – Model fit tests are carried out using Chi-Square, RMSEA,
SRMR, GFI, AGFI, TLI, CFI, NFI, PNFI indicators to ensure that the model used is valid
and can be used as a recommendation.
3. Hypothesis Testing – Hypothesis testing is carried out based on significance values (p-
values) with the following criteria:
a. If the p-value < 0.05, then the null hypothesis (H₀) is rejected, meaning that the presence
of refugia and predators has a significant influence on rice production.
b. If the p-value ≥ 0.05, then the null hypothesis (H₀) is accepted, meaning that the
presence of refugia and predators does not have a significant influence on rice
production.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Results
Figure 1. Goodness of fit in the X-Y1_Y2 model
Source: Primary data processed (2025)
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1136
Figure 1 shows value indicators in the goodness of fit test model) which can seen in
Table 1. Table 1. Goodness of Fit Indices and Cut-off Value
No
Goodness of Fit Indices
Cut-off value
Observation
value
Information
1.
Chi-Square (CMIN/DF)
< 2.00
3,292
No, fit
2.
Probability
> 0.05
0,000
No, fit
3.
RMSEA
< 0.05
0.139
No, fit
4.
SRMR
< 0.08
0.060
Fit
5.
GFI
> 0.90
0.756
No, fit
6.
AGFI
> 0.90
0.671
No, fit
7.
TAG
> 0.90
0.807
No, fit
8.
CFI
> 0.90
0.838
fit
9.
NFI
> 0.90
0.785
No, fit
10.
PNFI
> 0.5
0.661
fit
11.
PCFI
> 0 .5
0.705
fit
Source: (Mulaik et al., 1989; Yanuar et al., 2015) and Primary data processed (Primary data
processed, 2025)
Table 1 shows that part of the large (64%) value observation from the AMOS SEM
output does not fulfill the mark standard (cut-off value), so this model does not fit. Therefore,
a model modification must be made, and its results can be seen in Figure 3.
Figure 2. Modification of the X-Y1-Y2 fit model
Source: Primary data processed (Primary data processed, 2025)
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1137
Figure 2 shows the resulting structural model. from modification based on goodness of
fit, which can be summarized and assessed, as in Table 2.
Table 2. Goodness of Fit Indices and Cut-off Value after Modification
No
Goodness of Fit Indices
Cut-off value
Observation
value
Information
1.
Chi-Square (CMIN/DF)
< 2.00
1,071
Fit
2.
Probability
> 0.05
0.341
Fit
3.
RMSEA
< 0.05
0.024
Fit
4.
SRMR
< 0.08
0.027
Fit
5.
GFI
> 0.90
0.930
Fit
6.
AGFI
> 0.90
0.887
Fit
7.
TAG
> 0.90
0.995
Fit
8.
CFI
> 0.90
0.996
Fit
9.
NFI
> 0.90
0.950
Fit
10.
PNFI
> 0.5
0.691
Fit
11.
PCFI
> 0 .5
0.725
Fit
Source : (Mulaik et al., 1989; Yanuar et al., 2015) and Primary data processed (Primary data
processed, 2025)
Table 2 shows that all mark observations from the SEM AMOS output have fulfilled
the mark standard (100%), so the structural model obtained is fit and can be used for analysis.
Hypothesis testing has been carried out to strengthen the existing model fit obtained, and the
results can be seen in Table 3.
Table 3. Significance Influence the Presence of predators (X) on rice production (Y)
Influence between variables and reflective
indicators
Estimate
SE
Probability*
Information
Y1_Predators
<---
X_Refugia_plants
,889
,087
0.005
Significant
Y2_Rice_production
<---
Y1_Predators
,972
,266
0.011
Significant
Y2_Rice_production
<---
X_Refugia_plants
-,012
,250
0.983
Significant
X4
<---
X_Refugia_plants
1,000
Significant
X2
<---
X_Refugia_plants
,926
,086
0.012
Significant
Y1.3
<---
Y1_Predators
1,008
,082
0.013
Significant
Y1.4
<---
Y1_Predators
,956
,087
0.013
Significant
Y1.5
<---
Y1_Predators
,873
,091
0.028
Significant
Y2.1
<---
Y2_Rice_production
1,000
Significant
Y2.2
<---
Y2_Rice_production
,751
,092
0.007
Significant
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1138
Influence between variables and reflective
indicators
Estimate
SE
Probability*
Information
Y2.4
<---
Y2_Rice_production
,922
,090
0.007
Significant
Y2.5
<---
Y2_Rice_production
,927
,089
0.009
Significant
X1
<---
X_Refugia_plants
,638
,098
0.012
Significant
Y1.1
<---
Y1_Predators
1,000
Significant
Y1.6
<---
Y1_Predators
,911
,087
0.013
Significant
Source: Primary data processed (Primary data processed, 2025)
● Probability value using bootstrap standard (Alfons et al., 2022)
Table 3 shows that variable X (refugia plants) has a significant and positive on Y1
(predator presence), and variable Y1 has a significant and positive effect on Y2 (rice
production). Variable X does not significantly influence variable Y2. Thus, hypotheses 1, 2,
and 3 are proposed and accepted. Figure 3 also shows that in variable X, there is an indicator
with the most considerable loading factor value, namely 0.86, and located on indicator X4 (area
of embankment) rice fields), while the Y1 variable is also the same, namely 0.86 and is located
on the Y1.3 indicator (frequency predator sightings). On both indicators, the most dominant in
reflecting conditions of variables X and Y1. Therefore, these two indicators will also become
the focus of recommendations.
Next to test The 4th hypothesis is that variable X has an influence No direct to the
variable Y2 through Y1, then done by using Sobel test (Ramirez & Haas, 2021; Sofia et al.,
2023; Wachdijono et al., 2023). The Sobel test method is used to test the significance of the
mediating intervening variables between independent and dependent variables (Ghozali, 2011;
Hair Jr et al., 2021), a test in this Study. Does the variable Y2 play a role? In a significant way
or not, the result of mediating between variables X and Y2 can be seen in Figure 4.
Figure 3. Sobel test for significance intervening variable
Source: Primary data processed (Primary data processed, 2025)
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1139
Figure 3 shows the value of one-tailed probability (0.00029) and two-tailed probability
0.00058) < 0.05, so it can concluded that the variable Y1 plays a role in a way significant and
positive as an intervening variable. For that reason, it can explain the existence of influence No
direct from variable X to Y2 through Y1. The Presence of predators has a real positive effect
on rice production and can be accepted. Thus, the hypothesis stating that variable X has an
effect Not directly on variable Y2 through variable Y1 can accepted.
Discussion
1. Influence the existence of refugia plants (X) against the existing predators ( Y1)
The Presence of refugia plants (X) has a significant and positive impact on the
Presence of predators (Y1) in the field agriculture Village Maleber Subdistrict Maleber
Regency Kuningan. The more substantial plants around the land area agriculture rice, the
more predators come to the area. Interest in the refugia plant, according to Septiani &
Aminah (Septiani & Aminah, 2021), because refugia plants produce nectar and pollen that
become food for predators, so that becomes an interesting thing for predators, especially
during periods when pests become prey Not available. Therefore, The existence of refugia
plants can function as place protection and microhabitats for predators like spiders,
ladybugs, and parasitoids, where these habitats help maintain predator populations, even
when the population is currently low (Sakir & Desinta, 2019). Thus , the existence of refugia
plants has an impact on reducing pesticide chemistry because predators can control
population pests in a way that makes the ecosystem more awake (Habibi & Fuadah, 2021).
On the other hand, refugia plants have enriched diverse life in land agriculture with
an interest in insects and other organisms that play a role in maintaining the ecosystem,
which helps create a more stable and healthy environment (Erdiansyah & Putri, 2017).
Predators that protect their population with their existing refugia plants have the potential
to prey on pest plants, such as leafhoppers, caterpillars, borer stems, and lice leaves, which
directly decline population pests in a natural way (Pribadi et al., 2020).
Remember, the existence of refugia plants in general statistics is a latent variable, and
the most dominant indicator to explain the variable's condition is an indicator with the
highest loading factor value (Hu & Bentler, 1999). Based on Figure 3, then the highest
loading factor value is 0.86 and is located on the X4 indicator (area of the embankment) rice
fields ), meaning that the indicator is an indicator that must be noted to give
recommendations technical to the perpetrator farming rice in order increase the Presence of
predators. The X4 indicator shows that the wider the embankment rice fields designated for
refugia planting, the more predators there are. As for the technical efforts to expand the
embankment area ricefield referred to, among others:
1) Manage areas or broad embankment rice fields for refugia planting:
Use part of embankment rice fields that are not used optimally for planting refugia, such
as flower knickers, flower the sun, or plant other supporting flowers in a natural predator
ecosystem. Next, determine the proportion of the vast embankment rice fields planted
with refugia sufficient to support natural predator populations (Froneman, 2022;
Mustarin et al., 2023).
2) Choose the right refugia plants:
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1140
Choose easy refugia plants to grow and survive in a conditioned environment, such as
flowering fascinating little predatory insects (for example, flowers), footprint virgin,
aster, and flowers sun). Besides that, sustainable refugia plants with cycle flowering
should be used to support the Presence of predators throughout the season. (Habibi &
Fuadah, 2021; Wardana et al., 2017).
3) Promote the importance of using embankment rice fields to plant refugia through
training, seminars, or field examples. The steps provide a technical guidebook for
planting refugia on embankment rice fields without disturbing rice cultivation. (Dinas
Pertanian Kabupaten Buleleng Provinsi Bali, 2024; Ilhamiyah et al., 2020; Muhammad
& Nasir, 2022).
2. The influence of predators (Y1) on the production of rice (Y2)
The Presence of predators (Y1) has a real and positive effect on rice production (Y2).
This means that the more lots there are of predators, the more rice production will increase
in the village Maleber Subdistrict Maleber Regency Kuningan. This is because predators
can control population pests by preying on pests and planting paddy naturally, which can
reduce damage to plant rice. Enemies - predators (spiders, ladybugs), parasitoids, and
pathogens prey pest main plant paddy like leafhopper, borer stems, and lice leaves.
Therefore, plant paddy can grow optimally and produce more production increases in
quantity and quality. Predators work continuously during the season to ensure that
population pests are controlled. Thus, the way to control pests in a way that is natural,
more friendly, environmentally, and sustainable compared to controlling pests with
pesticide chemistry, which often causes resistance pests in the long term length (Septiani
& Aminah, 2021).
On the other hand, the Presence of predators positively impacts efforts to reduce the
use of pesticide chemistry, which can reduce the cost of production. However, not only
that, but it also improves quality production or results in the harvest of paddy because
plants avoid pesticide residue (Pribadi et al., 2020). In this regard, Sakir and Desinta (Sakir
& Desinta, 2019) explain that the Presence of predators helps guard the balance of
ecosystem agriculture to create optimal conditions for plant rice growth, which can
positively impact the stability and sustainability of rice production. This explanation is
reinforced in a way concrete by results research-results study previously, such as: 1)
Erdiansyah & Putri (Erdiansyah & Putri, 2017) conclude that land agriculture with stable
predator populations can increase results harvest up to 15% taller compared to land that
relies on pesticide chemistry; 2) Elvina et al., (2023) and Iannella et al., (2021) who
concluded application of natural predators influential actual to improvement production
and area of crops rice ; 3) Sakir & Desinta (Sakir & Desinta, 2019) which shows existence
refugia plants can bring in predators as enemy natural and capable increase results
production paddy by 15.1%; 4) Lemaire et al., (Lemaire et al., 2023) that predators play a
role in increasing fertility land and recycling repeat nutrition, which is No direct support
productivity plant; and 5) Ali et al., (Ali et al., 2019) explain Some predators, such as
parasitoids and spiders, increase production paddy.
According to the research results above, the highest loading factor value on variable
Y1 is 0.86 and is significantly located on the Y1.3 indicator (frequency) predator
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1141
sightings). This indicator reflects predator activity in rice planting areas, so the more often
predators are seen there, the more predators prey on pest plant rice. Therefore, it can reduce
population pests in the field so that plants can grow in the way better than previously.
Besides that, it also shows that the most dominant indicator to explain the condition of
variable Y1 is Y1.3, which can become the basis for giving recommendations proper
technical to farmers to increase production in a more rice-friendly environment and
sustainability. There are several effort natural factors related to the Y1.3 indicator,
including:
1) Plant refuge plants on the embankment or around the ricefield:
Planting refugia on embankments or around ricefields can provide a place of
residence and resources food for predators that attack pest plant rice. This has the
potential to increase the number of predators that come and are seen on land agriculture
(Froneman, 2022; Sakir & Desinta, 2019).
2) Do diversify plants (planting) various types of plants):
Planting various types of plants around the agricultural area can create a more
diverse environment that supports diverse life. This can also improve the natural
predator population (Buchori et al., 2023).
3) Creating a natural habitat:
Forming a natural habitat around land agriculture, such as bush, tree big and old,
areas watery, swampy, or forest small, can provide place protection and resources food
for predators, such as birds, spiders, dragonflies, insects predators, as well as aquatic
(González-Chang et al., 2020; van Huis & Oonincx, 2017).
3. The Presence of refugia plants (X) does not directly influence the production of
rice (Y2)
The Presence of refugia plants (X) does not influence the direct production of rice
(Y2). In statistics, this is because the existence of other possible variables can accept
influence directly from the existence variable refugia plants, which then influence the
transmitted to production variables rice (Y2). Such conditions allow direct influence
and influence No directly so that very open opportunity exists intervening variables in
this structural model (Anas et al., 2023; Oktafiani et al., 2023; Prasetyo et al., 2023).
The intervening variables mediate or explain the connection or influence between the
independent and dependent variables (Ghozali, 2011; Jr. et al., 2017; Voorveld et al.,
2018). To determine whether or not there are intervening variables in this model, a
Sobel test was carried out, as can be seen in Figure 4 above.
4. The Presence of refugia plants (X) has no direct effect on the production of rice
(Y2) through the presence of predators (Y1)
Figure 4 shows that variable Y1 (the Presence of predators) plays a role in a way
real as an intervening variable so that it can explain the occurrence influence No direct
from variable X to Y2. This means that the improved production of rice (Y2) is not
directly influenced by the existence of refugia plants (X). However, the existence of
refugia plants (X) affects the Presence of predators (Y1), which then the Presence of
predators (Y1) affects in a way real to increase in rice production (Y2). In the rule
statistics, this event is included in type mediation full (complete mediation) because the
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1142
influence directly from variable X is not significant on variable Y2. The entire
mediation event above shows that the predator variable (Y1) is an essential element as
a " liaison " in explaining the connection between the variable of the existence of refugia
(X) and the production of rice (Y2). Without the increase in predators, the influence of
refuge plants on paddy production becomes insignificant.
Based on the discussion above, then can deliver that X4 indicator (area of
embankment) rice fields) play the most significant role in supporting the successful
existence of refugia plants. By ensuring the utilization of embankment ricefield
optimally through the steps technically above, the Presence of predators (Y1) can
increase, which is marked by the increasing frequency of the appearance of a predator
(Y1.3), which eventually will contribute to the improved production of rice (Y2) in the
Village Maleber Subdistrict Maleber Regency Kuningan Province West Java, Republic
of Indonesia. This finding is expected to become a recommendation technique for
farmers of rice and the like throughout the world who want to increase their production
in a natural way that is natural, friendly, environmentally, and sustainable.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results and discussion above, we can withdraw the conclusion that the
existence of variable refuge plants has an effect directly improves the Presence of predators,
and the Presence of predators directly improves the production of rice in the village Maleber
Subdistrict Maleber Regency Kuningan, Province West Java, Indonesia. The most dominant
indicator in reflecting the variable condition of the existence of predators is the vast area of
embankment rice fields, and the variable of predator presence is the frequency of predator
sightings. For that, it recommended that the farmers paddy that to increase rice production
friendly environmental and sustainable by implementing efforts in technical matters related to
the two indicators, namely: 1) optimization of broad embankment rice fields for refugia
planting; 2) selection of appropriate refugia plants; 3) socialize importance utilization
embankment rice fields for planting refugia; 4) planting refuge plants on the embankment or
around rice fields; 5) do diversification plants (planting) various type plants ); and 6) creating
natural habitats.
REFERENCE
Alfons, A., Ateş, N. Y., & Groenen, P. J. F. (2022). A Robust Bootstrap Test for Mediation
Analysis. Organizational Research Methods, 25(3), 591–617.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428121999096
Ali, M. P., Bari, M. N., Haque, S. S., Kabir, M. M. M., Afrin, S., Nowrin, F., Islam, M. S., &
Landis, D. A. (2019). Establishing next-generation pest control services in rice fields:
eco-agriculture. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-
46688-6
Anas, A. M., Abdou, A. H., Hassan, T. H., Alrefae, W. M. M., Daradkeh, F. M., El-Amin, M.
A. M. M., Kegour, A. B. A., & Alboray, H. M. M. (2023). Satisfaction on the Driving
Seat: Exploring the Influence of Social Media Marketing Activities on Followers’
Purchase Intention in the Restaurant Industry Context. Sustainability (Switzerland),
15(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097207
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1143
Azhari, R., Nababan, R., & Hakim, L. (2021). Rice Plant Pest Control Strategy In Increasing
Agricultural Production By Agriculture Department Karawang District. Jurnal Agri
Sains, 5(2), 199–210.
BBPOPT. (2020). BBPOPT Performance Report 2020.
Buchori, D., Priawandiputra, W., Rizali, A., Mubin, N., Sari, A., Azhar, A., Nazarreta, R.,
Amrulloh, R., Fahmi, F., & Harianto, M. (2023). Ecological Engineering and Rapid
Biodiversity Assessment in Agroecosystems: For Conservation of Useful Insects.
Syngenta.
Darimont, C. T., Cooke, R., Bourbonnais, M. L., Bryan, H. M., Carlson, S. M., Estes, J. A.,
Galetti, M., Levi, T., MacLean, J. L., McKechnie, I., Paquet, P. C., & Worm, B. (2023).
Humanity’s diverse predatory niche and its ecological consequences. Communications
Biology, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04940-w
Dinas Pertanian Kabupaten Buleleng Provinsi Bali. (2024). The use of refugia plants as a pest
control for rice stem borers. Https://Distan.Bulelengkab.Go.Id/.
Elvina, T. S., Siregar, A., & Ginting, R. (2023). Analysis of Factors Influencing Rice
Production in Labuhan Batu District. Journal of Social Research, 2(9), 3305–3317.
https://doi.org/10.55324/josr.v2i9.1263
Erdiansyah, I., & Putri, S. U. (2017). Optimization of the Function of Refugia Flowers as a
Pest Control of Rice Plants (Oryza sativa L.). National Seminar on Research Results, 89–
94.
Froneman, P. W. (2022). Predator Diversity Does Not Contribute to Increased Prey Risk:
Evidence from a Mesocosm Study. Diversity, 14(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080584
Gagic, V., Riggi, L. G. A., Ekbom, B., Malsher, G., Rusch, A., & Bommarco, R. (2016).
Interactive effects of pests increase seed yield. Ecology and Evolution, 6(7), 2149–2157.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.2003
Garcia, K., Olimpi, E. M., Karp, D. S., & Gonthier, D. J. (2021). The Good, the Bad, and the
Risky: Can Birds Be Incorporated as Biological Control Agents into Integrated Pest
Management Programs? Journal of Integrated Pest Management, 11(1).
https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmaa009
Ghozali, I. (2011). Multivariate applications with IBM SPSS 19 (5th ed.). BP Diponegoro
University.
González-Chang, M., Wratten, S. D., Shields, M. W., Costanza, R., Dainese, M., Gurr, G. M.,
Johnson, J., Karp, D. S., Ketelaar, J. W., Nboyine, J., Pretty, J., Rayl, R., Sandhu, H.,
Walker, M., & Zhou, W. (2020). Understanding the pathways from biodiversity to agro-
ecological outcomes: A new, interactive approach. Agriculture, Ecosystems and
Environment, 301(December 2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2020.107053
Habibi, I., & Fuadah, A. S. (2021). Effect of Refugia Plants on Natural Enemy Populations of
Brown Stem Leafhoppers (Nilaparvata Lugens Stal.) In the cultivation of rice plants
(Oryza sativa L.). Journal of Applied Technology: G-Tech, 4(2), 319–325.
https://doi.org/10.33379/gtech.v4i2.660
Hair Jr, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., Danks, N. P., & Ray, S. (2021).
Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using R: A workbook.
Springer Nature.
Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis:
Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A
Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118
Iannella, M., De Simone, W., D’Alessandro, P., & Biondi, M. (2021). Climate change favours
connectivity between virus-bearing pest and rice cultivations in sub-Saharan Africa,
depressing local economies. PeerJ, 9, e12387. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12387
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1144
Ilhamiyah, I., Ni’mah, G. K., Zuraida, A., & Widaningsih, N. (2020). Socialization and
Utilization of Refugia Plants as an Alternative to Plant Pest Control. Al-Ikhlas Service
Journal, 6(1), 10–22. https://doi.org/10.31602/jpaiuniska.v6i1.3356
Johnson, J. B., & Belk, M. C. (2020). Predators as agents of selection and diversification.
Diversity, 12(11), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3390/d12110415
Jr., J. F. H., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2017). A Primer on Partial Least
Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). In Sage (2nd ed.). Sage.
Lemaire, G., Garnier, J., da Silveira Pontes, L., de Faccio Carvalho, P. C., Billen, G., & Simioni
Assmann, T. (2023). Domestic Herbivores, the Crucial Trophic Level for Sustainable
Agriculture: Avenues for Reconnecting Livestock to Cropping Systems. Agronomy,
13(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13040982
Miles, D. . (2017). A taxonomy of research gaps: Identifying and defining the seven research
gaps. Journal of Research Methods and Strategies, August, 1–15.
Muhammad, F., & Nasir, B. (2022). The Effect of the Utilization of Several Types of Refugia
Plants on the Intensity of Corn Stem Borer Pest Attack (Ostrinia furnacalis) on Corn
Crops (Zea mays L.). Journal of Agrotekbis, 10(6), 1105–1109.
Mulaik, S. A., James, L. R., Van Alstine, J., Bennett, N., Lind, S., & Dean Stilwell, C. (1989).
Quantitative Methods In Psychology Evaluation of Goodness-of-Fit Indices for
Structural Equation Models. Psychological Bulletin, 105(3), 430–445.
Mustarin, A., Rauf, R. F., Patang, Wiharto, M., & Asrijal. (2023). Utilization of Refugia Plants
to Control Rice Plant Pests in Simbang Village, Maros Regency. TEKNOVOCATION :
Journal of Community Service, 1(3), 255–266.
https://doi.org/10.59562/teknovokasi.v1i3.606
O’Bryan, C. J., Braczkowski, A. R., Beyer, H. L., Carter, N. H., Watson, J. E. M., & McDonald-
Madden, E. (2018). The contribution of predators and scavengers to human well-being.
Nature Ecology and Evolution, 2(2), 229–236. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-017-
0421-2
Oktafiani, A. R., Nita, D. A. N., Rosiyani, Khijjah, R. D., & Wachdijono. (2023). The Influence
of Barista on Coffee Shop Consumer Loyalty (Utilizing Indicators for Theoretical and
Practical Purposes). Journal Transnational Universal Studies, 1(8), 786–799.
https://doi.org/10.58631/jtus.v1i8.47
Pérez-Hedo, M., Bouagga, S., Zhang, N. X., Moerkens, R., Messelink, G., Jaques, J. A., Flors,
V., Broufas, G., Urbaneja, A., & Pappas, M. L. (2022). Induction of plant defenses: the
added value of zoophytophagous predators. Journal of Pest Science, 95(4), 1501–1517.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-022-01506-3
Pimentel, D. (1995). Amounts of pesticides reaching target pests: Environmental impacts and
ethics. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 8(1), 17–29.
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02286399
Prasetyo, E. D., Maulana, M. T., & Wachdijono. (2023). The Influence Of Barista On Coffee
Shop Atmosphere Through Product Variables. Mimbar Agribisnis: Jurnal Pemikiran
Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis, 9(2), 2860–2883.
Pribadi, D. U., Purnawati, A., & Rahmadhini, N. (2020). Application of Refugia Planting
System as a Microhabitat of Natural Enemies in Rice Plants. SOLMA Journal, 9(1), 221–
230. https://doi.org/10.29405/solma.v9i1.3108
Primary data processed. (2025). Optimizing refugia planting areas and increasing the
frequency of predator sightings can increase environmentally friendly and sustainable
rice production. Gunung Jati Swadaya University (no published).
Ramirez, D., & Haas, S. A. (2021). The long arm of conflict: How timing shapes the impact of
childhood exposure to war. Demography, 58(3), 951–974.
Holidah Fauziah1, Irpan Sudirman2, Rahmat Gunawan3, Wachdijono4
Optimizing Refugia Planting Areas and Increasing The Frequency of Predator Sightings Can Increase
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Rice Production
Journal of Indonesian Impressions (JII) Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2025 1145
https://doi.org/10.1215/00703370-9114715
Ristyadi, D., He, X. Z., & Wang, Q. (2022). Predator‐ and killed prey‐induced fears bear
significant cost to an invasive spider mite: Implications in pest management. Pest
Management Science, 78(12), 5456–5462. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.7168
Sakir, I. M., & Desinta, D. (2019). The use of refugia in increasing rice crop production based
on local wisdom. Journal of Suboptimal Land, 7(1), 97–105.
https://doi.org/10.33230/jlso.7.1.2018.367
Septiani, T., & Aminah, S. (2021). Effectiveness of Refugia on Insect Diversity and Natural
Enemies in Rice Plantation in Enreking Village, Ganra District, Soppeng Regency.
Journal of Sustainable Agriculture Volume 9 No.1, 9(1), 34–40.
Sofia, Natasya Firyal, R., Oktaviani, A., Maula Ghifari, N., & Wachdijono. (2023). The Effect
of Baristas on Consumer Satisfaction through Coffee Shop Atmosphere as an Intervening
Variable. Journal Transnational Universal Studies, 1(8), 769–785.
https://doi.org/10.58631/jtus.v1i9.46
Supendi, P., Widiyantoro, S., Rawlinson, N., Yatimantoro, T., Muhari, A., Hanifa, N. R.,
Gunawan, E., Shiddiqi, H. A., Imran, I., Anugrah, S. D., Daryono, D., Prayitno, B. S.,
Adi, S. P., Karnawati, D., Faizal, L., & Damanik, R. (2023). On the potential for
megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis off the southern coast of West Java and southeast
Sumatra, Indonesia. Natural Hazards, 116(1), 1315–1328.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-022-05696-y
Umakamea, M. F., Patty, J. A., & Rumthe, R. Y. (2020). Damage to Five Rice Varieties Due
to Stem Borer Pest Attack in Savanajaya Village, Waeapo District, Buru Regency.
Journal of Agricultural Cultivation, 16(2), 180–186.
https://doi.org/10.30598/jbdp.2020.16.2.180
van Huis, A., & Oonincx, D. G. A. B. (2017). The environmental sustainability of insects as
food and feed. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 37(5).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-017-0452-8
Voorveld, H. A. M., van Noort, G., Muntinga, D. G., & Bronner, F. (2018). Engagement with
Social Media and Social Media Advertising: The Differentiating Role of Platform Type.
Journal of Advertising, 47(1), 38–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/00913367.2017.1405754
Wachdijono, Siregar, N. F., Langputeh, S., & Jaeroni, A. (2023). The Influence Of Barista And
Product On The Store Atmosphere And Its Impact On Coffee Shop Customer Satisfaction
In The Lowland. Journal of Social Science, 2(12), 1120–1143.
Wardana, R., Erdiansyah, I., & Putri, S. U. (2017). Pest Resistance (Utilization of Refugia
Plants as a Rice Pest Control System) in Suren Jaya 01 Farmer Group, Ledokombo
District. pp. 233–237.
Yanuar, F., Devianto, D., Marisa, S., & Zetra, A. (2015). Consistency test of reliability index
in SEM model. Applied Mathematical Sciences, 9(105–108), 5283–5292.
https://doi.org/10.12988/ams.2015.56446
