Social Capital in Mangrove Management: A Case Study in Lampung Province, Indonesia

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the individual characteristics and the elements of social capital hence a suitable design of social capital reinforcement can be proposed to promote a sustainable community-based mangrove management. The research conducted in three villages that were selected based on mangrove ecological differences in Lampung Province,Indonesia. Qualitative data was collected through field observation and in-depth interviews with key informants. The results showed that the population in the three villages dominated on roductive ages, worked as farmers, and less educated (only a half of the population had fulfilled the basic education standard of Indonesia). The study results also indicated that the social capital in the communities showed minimum condition of interpersonal attachment and cooperation. This condition was derived from the attitude of the people who only took personal benefit without concerning to others’ welfare. Many programs conducted by government to ensure the conservation of mangroves were project-oriented with minor participation of community. The minor participation might also contributed to the minimum of social capital in the community. To improve social capital, the communities should strengthen mutual trust based on mutual benefit to increase members’ participation in mangrove activity.