LOCAL WISDOM, SOCIAL CAPITAL, AND CULTURAL IDENTITY: STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN THE SASAK SOCIETY

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of local wisdom, social capital, and cultural identity in strengthening community resilience within the Sasak society of Lombok, Indonesia. A qualitative case study approach was employed to explore how local cultural values, social networks, collective trust, reciprocity, and cultural practices contribute to the community’s capacity to adapt to social, economic, cultural, and environmental changes. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving community leaders, traditional and religious figures, cultural practitioners, youth, and community members selected through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed thematically through data condensation, data display, identification of emerging themes, and conclusion verification, while data credibility was strengthened through source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that local wisdom functions not merely as cultural heritage but also as a living social resource that strengthens trust, solidarity, reciprocity, collective action, and social cohesion. Practices such as besiru and banjar provide important mechanisms for maintaining social networks and collective responsibility, while cultural identity strengthens the community’s sense of belonging and continuity across generations. However, globalization, digitalization, changing lifestyles, and social mobility present challenges to the transmission of local values, particularly among younger generations. The study concludes that community resilience in the Sasak society can be strengthened through an integrated approach that revitalizes local wisdom, reinforces social capital, and maintains cultural identity while allowing adaptive responses to contemporary changes. These findings highlight the importance of culturally grounded and participatory approaches in developing sustainable community resilience in local societies.