Empowering Social Capital in Surviving COVID-19: A Case Study of the Urban Poor in Panjang Subdistrict Bandar Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract

Social capital is one of the strengths in dealing with disasters, both natural and non-natural disasters, including COVID-19. This study aims to examine the social capital empowered by the urban poor in Panjang subdistrict Bandar Lampung in forming resilience to the COVID-19 disaster. This study employed a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, observation and documentation. The data validity was obtained through triangulation of sources, methods and time. The study found that the urban poor of Panjang subdistrict, Bandar Lampung city have empowered the social capital both within groups of the poor and with groups outside the poor. It comprised bonding and bridging social capitals. This empowerment has also supported community resilience efforts against the COVID-19. The thing that underlies the social capital empowerment to survive the COVID-19 disaster is the trust based on several social values, such as family, togetherness over diversity, openness, and religion.