Peran Jaringan Sosial Dalam Membangun Ketahanan Masyarakat yang Menghadapi Krisis Lingkungan di Kecamatan Pangkalan Susu

Abstract

This research is motivated by the increasing environmental degradation caused by coal-fired power plant (PLTU) activities in Pangkalan Susu, which has directly affected the social, economic, and ecological lives of coastal communities. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the role of social networks in building community resilience in the face of environmental crises in Pangkalan Susu Subdistrict, Langkat Regency. A qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, documentation, and literature review. The findings reveal that environmental crises resulting from PLTU activities have led to coastal ecosystem degradation, declining air quality, and disruptions to community livelihoods such as fisheries and agriculture. Within the Pangkalan Susu community, social networks play a crucial role in fostering communal solidarity and serve as key channels for mobilizing resources and information to address environmental pressures. Meanwhile, community resilience is demonstrated through their adaptive capacity to cope with environmental changes, including livelihood diversification by processing local resources into economically valuable products.