Modal Sosial Yayasan Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI) Sebagai Strategi Restorasi Kawasan Mangrove Desa Kwala Serapuh, Kecamatan Tanjung Pura, Kabupaten Langkat

Abstract

Damage to the mangrove ecosystem in Kwala Serapuh Village, Langkat Regency has severely affected both the environment and coastal communities. The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI) initiated a mangrove restoration effort using a social capital approach. This study aims to analyze how WALHI utilizes bonding, bridging, and linking social capital in its restoration strategy, identify challenges faced, and explore strategies to overcome them. Using a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected through in-depth interviews and documentation, then analyzed with Miles and Huberman's model and supported by NVivo software. Findings reveal that bonding social capital fosters internal solidarity and mutual cooperation. Bridging social capital is established through networks with universities, NGOs, media, and legal institutions, enhancing advocacy capacity. Linking social capital is demonstrated by engagement with local government, resulting in formal village regulations supporting mangrove restoration. NVivo analysis confirms these results through word clouds, tree maps, and cluster analyses highlighting key themes of social capital dimensions. Despite challenges such as criminalization, resistance, and limited resources, WALHI effectively strengthened internal solidarity, external networks, and formal policy advocacy. This study confirms the applicability of Robert D. Putnam’s social capital theory in environmental restoration contexts and contributes valuable insights for developing sustainable coastal ecosystem management strategies in Indonesia.