SOCIAL CAPITAL AND INDEPENDENCE: MEASURING THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF THE FAMILY HOPE PROGRAM IN BONGOIME VILLAGE, BONE BOLANGO REGENCY

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the long-term impact of the Family Hope Program (PKH) on the social capital and economic independence of beneficiary families (KPM) in Bongoime Village, Bone Bolango Regency. The study used a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions (FGDs). The results indicate that PKH successfully built structural social capital, expanding beneficiary families' access to village institutional networks. The program also proved effective in enhancing the human capital of the next generation by improving access to education and health services. However, the social capital formed was static and had not yet transformed into cognitive social capital, such as trust and collaboration, that could foster collaborative economic independence initiatives among beneficiary families. Parents' economic independence has not been achieved due to the uncertainty of aid distribution and a program design that does not adequately address productive capacity building. The study concludes that there is a "missing mechanism," namely transformative mentoring and the integration of economic empowerment programs, in converting social assistance into sustainable independence. This study recommends stabilization of the aid distribution system, reorientation of the role of facilitators as empowerment facilitators, and synergy between PKH and local economic capacity strengthening programs.