Social Capital Helps Reduce Poverty in Konawe Islands Coastal Communities

Illustration by Ai

FORMOSA NEWS

Social capital plays a crucial role in reducing poverty among coastal communities in Konawe Islands Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. This finding was reported by Sulsalman Moita from Halu Oleo University in a study published in 2026 in the International Journal of Applied and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research (IJAAMR). The research highlights how trust, cooperation, social norms, and community networks can work together with natural, human, physical, and financial resources to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty in island-based coastal areas.

The findings are particularly important because poverty remains a persistent challenge in many coastal regions of Indonesia. Despite abundant marine resources, many fishing communities continue to face economic vulnerability, limited access to capital, and dependence on traditional livelihood systems. The study suggests that economic assistance alone is often insufficient unless it is supported by strong social relationships and community participation.

Konawe Islands Regency, which became an autonomous region in 2013, has significant maritime potential. Most residents depend on fishing and other marine-based activities for their livelihoods. However, poverty rates remain relatively high. Data cited in the study show that the poverty rate in Konawe Islands remained above 30 percent between 2022 and 2025, despite gradual declines over the years. This situation prompted researchers to examine factors beyond conventional economic development approaches.

To understand how communities cope with poverty, Moita conducted qualitative research involving fishermen, aquaculture workers, local investors, entrepreneurs, government officials, community leaders, religious leaders, and traditional leaders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and field observations. Rather than focusing solely on income levels, the research explored how social relationships and community institutions contribute to economic resilience.

The study identified four key elements of social capital that contribute to poverty reduction:

• Mutual trust
• Reciprocity or mutual assistance
• Social norms and shared values
• Social networking

According to the research, these elements become more effective when combined with other forms of capital, including natural resources, human skills, physical infrastructure, and financial resources.

One of the most important findings concerns mutual trust. Coastal communities that trust one another are more willing to cooperate in protecting marine ecosystems and managing fisheries sustainably. Fishermen, for example, collectively avoid destructive fishing methods such as bombing, poisoning, and the use of trawl nets. This shared commitment helps preserve fish stocks and marine habitats for future generations.

Trust also supports local economic development. The study found that stronger trust between fishermen and local entrepreneurs reduces dependence on outside investors and middlemen. In some villages, local traders provide loans with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment arrangements, helping fishermen avoid exploitative debt systems.

The second element, reciprocity, strengthens community cooperation. Traditional practices of helping one another remain common in fishing activities and community projects. Residents work together to replant mangroves, maintain coastal ecosystems, and improve fishing infrastructure such as auction facilities and docks. These activities contribute to environmental sustainability while also increasing fishery productivity.

Reciprocity also facilitates knowledge sharing. The presence of migrant fishing communities, particularly from the Bajo and Bugis ethnic groups, has enabled local fishermen to learn new techniques in seaweed cultivation and marine resource management. As a result, many fishermen have improved their skills and increased their incomes.

The third component, social norms and cultural values, remains deeply embedded in coastal life. Traditional customs encourage environmental stewardship, collective responsibility, and mutual support. Some communities have transformed older ceremonial practices into environmental activities such as coastal clean-up programs. According to the study, these adaptations help preserve local cultural identity while promoting sustainable development.

Another example is the tradition of samaturu, a local form of mutual cooperation. Communities regularly work together to build and maintain public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, fish auction centers, and coastal facilities. This collective effort reduces costs and improves access to essential services that support economic activities.

The fourth element, social networking, enables communities to build stronger institutions and connect with external economic opportunities. The study found that fishermen’s cooperatives, community organizations, and local leadership structures play an important role in coordinating activities, sharing information, and expanding access to resources.

Strong networks also facilitate technology transfer and problem-solving. One example cited in the study involves local technicians who can repair boat engines within the community, reducing the need for costly repairs in larger cities. The establishment of fishing cooperatives has also improved access to fishing equipment and operational support.

According to Sulsalman Moita of Halu Oleo University, social capital should not be viewed as a substitute for economic resources. Instead, it functions as a catalyst that allows communities to maximize the benefits of available natural, financial, physical, and human resources. When these forms of capital work together, communities become more capable of managing marine resources, increasing productivity, and improving household welfare.

The research carries important implications for policymakers. Poverty reduction programs in coastal and island regions may become more effective if they incorporate local social structures, cultural values, and community participation rather than relying exclusively on financial assistance. Strengthening community institutions, supporting cooperatives, encouraging environmental stewardship, and fostering local leadership could enhance the long-term impact of development programs.

The study ultimately proposes a poverty alleviation model rooted in local potential, community wisdom, and sustainable livelihoods. The model is designed not only for Konawe Islands but also for other island regions that face similar social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Author Profile

Sulsalman Moita is a researcher and academic at Halu Oleo University, Indonesia. His work focuses on social capital, community development, poverty reduction, and sustainable livelihoods in coastal and island communities. Through this research, he explores how social relationships and local institutions can strengthen economic resilience and improve community welfare.

Research Source

Moita, Sulsalman. (2026). “Potential Use of Model Social Capital and Others Capital-Society in Poverty Reduction in Coastal Islands Konawe.” International Journal of Applied and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research (IJAAMR), Vol. 4, No. 7, pp. 721–730. DOI: 10.59890/ijaamr.v4i7.271.