THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN COMMUNITY RESILIENCE TO NATURAL DISASTERS

Abstract

This study examines the role of social capital in strengthening community resilience to natural disasters. Social capital which includes bonding, bridging, and linking serves as the foundation for building solidarity, cooperation, and community connections with external institutions. In addition to social networks, trust and collective norms, such as mutual aid and active participation, play a crucial role in enhancing preparedness, collective response, and post-disaster recovery. This study employs a library research method by analyzing various relevant scientific journal articles to identify patterns in the utilization of social capital, the influence of trust and social norms, and their implications for disaster mitigation and recovery. The findings indicate that communities with strong social capital have greater capacity to plan mitigation efforts, organize self-directed evacuations, mobilize both internal and external resources, and accelerate post-disaster social and economic rehabilitation. These findings underscore that social capital is not only a social asset but also a strategic tool for reducing community vulnerability and supporting sustainable development. Therefore, strengthening social networks, trust among residents, and collective norms must be integrated into disaster mitigation strategies in Indonesia to foster resilient, adaptive, and sustainable communities.