Social Capital and Community Participation in RT Institutional Transformation: Evidence from Kutai Kartanegara, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Local neighborhood institutions play a strategic role in connecting governments and communities, particularly in participatory development. However, the availability of policy support and financial resources does not necessarily ensure institutional transformation. Social capital and community participation may shape the capacity and governance of neighborhood institutions. Aims: This study examines the influence of social capital and community participation on neighborhood association (Rukun Tetangga/RT) institutional transformation in the implementation of the RT-Ku Terbaik Program in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, Indonesia. Methods: This study employs a quantitative explanatory approach with a cross-sectional survey design. Social capital is measured through trust, reciprocity norms, and social networks, while community participation encompasses planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Data will be analyzed statistically to examine the relationships between the independent variables and institutional transformation. Results: The analysis will assess the extent to which social capital and community participation explain variations in RT institutional transformation. Specifically, it will examine the individual contributions of trust, reciprocity norms, and social networks, alongside community involvement in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Institutional transformation will be assessed through institutional functions, organizational capacity, transparency, accountability, and governance. The analysis will test the proposed hypotheses concerning the individual and combined effects of the two independent variables, providing an empirical basis for understanding factors associated with institutional strengthening in the program context. Conclusion: The study is expected to provide evidence to inform policies for strengthening participatory, transparent, and accountable neighborhood governance in Kutai Kartanegara Regency.