The Role of Social Capital in Strengthening the Employment of Oil Palm Farmers and Its Impact on Regional Economic Development

Abstract

Every developing region inevitably faces threats related to the impacts of uneven development; therefore, social capital is needed to strengthen the employment of oil palm farmers. This study aims to analyze the role of social capital in strengthening the employment of oil palm farmers in Central Lampung Regency. The social capital in question includes social networks, trust and social norms. A qualitative approach using Phenomenology was employed. Field findings indicate that social networks, trust, and reciprocity align with Putnam’s theory; however, social norms and local community participation do not. Consequently, it is necessary to develop the Palm Oil Farmers’ Socio-Economic Program (PORSAWI), which emphasizes community-based socio-economic aspects with active participation to strengthen the employment of palm oil farmers.