Social capital and waste management practices in Jembrana and Banyuwangi, Indonesia

This study examines the role of social capital in shaping a variety of waste management practices in Jembrana and Banyuwangi, Indonesia, including recycling, burning, and communal clean-up efforts. Using thematic analysis based on qualitative data from focus group discussions (FGDs) with local community leaders across 14 villages, five key categories of social capital influencing waste management behavior were identified: collective responsibility, social pressure, cultural and religious influences, leadership and influential groups, and collective health and environmental awareness. In Jembrana, collective responsibility manifests through community-driven maintenance of public spaces and neighborhood cleanliness, while social pressure is enforced through social sanctions. Cultural values play a role in practices such as river cleanliness and discouraging the burning of baby diaper waste. Local leaders and women’s groups significantly influence waste management initiatives, with health concerns like mosquito prevention being key motivators. In Banyuwangi, similar patterns emerge, with neighborhood cleanliness and communal activities being central. Social pressure arises from the fear of neighbors’ complaints and direct confrontations over littering. Although cultural influences are less pronounced, leadership roles held by women and youth groups are critical, and some environmental awareness stems from the need to curb mosquito-borne diseases. These findings highlight the nuanced role of social capital in promoting sustainable waste management behaviors. Tailored approaches that consider local social dynamics are crucial for effective waste management strategies.