Publication Trends and Dominant Issues on the Village Fund Program in Indonesia: A Bibliometric Analysis of Scopus-Indexed Articles

Abstract

The Village Fund Program (VFP) in Indonesia, as the largest rural development initiative, has generated growing academic interest since its implementation in 2015. However, the literature remains fragmented, with individual studies focusing on specific outcomes while lacking comprehensive synthesis of publication trends, collaboration patterns, and thematic evolution. A critical research gap persists: while prior bibliometric studies have examined discrete aspects of VFP, such as its relationship with Sustainable Development Goals or specific economic outcomes—no study has systematically integrated developmental outcomes and governance challenges within a unified analytical framework. Furthermore, existing reviews have not mapped the intellectual structure of VFP research through multiple bibliometric indicators simultaneously, nor have they traced the thematic evolution from basic development metrics to complex governance issues. This study addresses these gaps through bibliometric analysis combined with qualitative content analysis of 159 English- and Indonesian-language articles indexed in Scopus from 2015 to 2025. Using VOSviewer 1.6.20, we mapped publication trends, co-authorship networks, and thematic clusters. Findings reveal a sharp increase in VFP publications from 2017 to 2025, following an initial absence of Scopus-indexed studies. Author collaborations span 15 countries, dominated by Indonesian scholars. Dominant issues include poverty reduction, stunting prevention, village development, economic growth, accountability, internal control, fraud, and corruption. As the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of VFP literature, this study uniquely integrates developmental outcomes and governance challenges within a single framework. The findings establish a foundational reference for future scholarship by identifying established research clusters and underexplored areas, particularly the governance-development nexus. For policymakers, the study offers evidence-based insights to strengthen accountability mechanisms and institutional capacity, supporting more transparent, effective, and sustainable village fund management in Indonesia.