Social Capital in Climate Change Disaster Management in Indonesia: The Role of Social Institutions in Community Empowerment
Authors: Widhagdha Miftah Faridl , Muktiyo Widodo , Kartono Drajat Tri , Padmaningrum Dwiningtyas 
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Disasters caused by climate change threaten Most of the world's ecosystems, especially developing countries with rich natural resources, including peatland ecosystems such as those found in Riau Province, Indonesia. Climate change causes peatland ecosystems to become drier and more prone to burning. The peatland fires that occurred in Riau Province during the period of 2016-2020 have become a valuable lesson for the government, the private sector, and the local community. During that period, collaboration between the government, the private sector, and the community in addressing climate change-related disasters, especially peatland fires, has been successfully carried out for the mitigation and adaptation of peatland fire disasters. This research reveals the role of social capital and social institutions in the process of empowering communities to address land fire disasters. Using qualitative descriptive methods, this study reveals findings that the strengthening of social capital such as social institutions, trust, social networks, and reciprocal relationships occurs in the actions taken to mitigate peatland fire disasters. In addition, the implementation of mitigation and adaptation strategies for peatland fire disasters is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal of Combating Climate Change (SDG 13) and Protecting Terrestrial Ecosystems (SDG 15).

Objective: The purpose of this research is to understand the role of social capital and social institutions in the process of community empowerment to address climate change disasters, particularly peatland fires occurring in Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia.

Theoretical Framework: The theory used in this research is the Social Capital Theory developed by Putnam (1993) and Woolcock (1998 & 2002). The relevance of Social Capital Theory in this study is to observe the bonds among communities manifested in three forms of social capital, namely social institutions, trust, and social networks formed among communities affected by the climate crisis due to peatland fire disasters.

Method: This research was conducted using qualitative methods, which are research procedures to produce descriptive data from the observed research objects. This method examines the experiences of individuals/organizations in their entirety, thus not limiting the statements of individuals/organizations to specific hypotheses. Data collection was carried out through participant observation and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The research informants were selected based on purposive sampling with the intention that the chosen informants already have a deep understanding of the issues, allowing them to provide comprehensive information.

Results and Discussion: This research reveals findings that the strengthening of social capital such as social institutions, trust, social networks, and reciprocal relationships occurs in the actions taken to mitigate peatland fire disasters.

Research Implications: The practical implication of this research finding is to develop the strengthening of social institutions in areas with a high risk of climate crisis and peatland fires. Strengthening social institutions can take the form of institutional strengthening, enhancing mutual trust among communities, and strengthening social networks within the community.

Originality/Value: The social capital model discovered in communities situated in high-risk regions impacted by climate crises, including peatland fire disasters, is what makes this study unique. This includes the community's social networks, high levels of mutual trust, and the robustness of social institutions, all of which can enhance climate crisis management.