Community social capital in managing the simanuk-manuk village forest in forest management unit region iv balige, toba regency

Abstract

Social capital is a collection of resources owned by individuals and communities, which are used in social interaction and community building. This study aims to identify the social capital in Simanuk-Manuk Village Forest (VF) in Forest Management Unit (FMU) Region IV Balige, Toba Regency. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and literature study. Social capital was analyzed qualitatively which categorize into structural (roles and rules) and cognitive (norms, values, attitudes, beliefs). The results showed that community’s social capital contributes to VF management, encouraging them to preserve the forest. In structural social capital, the Village Forest Management Institution has statutes that regulate community’s roles and rules in managing forest. Communities are involved in preparation and implementation activities. In cognitive social capital, norms are still adherence including unwritten rules such as rituals when entering forest referred to as mamele (praying to ancestors). Customary traditions strengthened the value of social capital and maintain cultural sustainability. The community’s attitude in utilizing forest doesn’t cause social inequality. They believe that forest is a vital component of life, particularly as a provider of clean water and air. They also believe that forest has sacred and spiritual values that encourage them in preserving forest from degradation.