The Role of Social Capital in the Circular Economy of Water Management: A Case Study

Abstract

A circular economy prioritizing resource efficiency has now begun to be applied in various sectors, including water management. With a qualitative approach, this study analyzes the role of social capitals in the circular economy of water management by taking a case study of infiltration wells development in Kelurahan Randuacir, Salatiga City, Central Java. The study results show that developing infiltration wells with various social capitals embedded in them can potentially support the circular economy of water management by replenishing groundwater to overcome the clean water crisis. It can be identified that the development involves networks, norms, and trust. Meanwhile, relationally between actors, it is found that there are bonding, bridging, and linking social capitals. Furthermore, the Urban-Village Fund policy has encouraged community participation in constructing infiltration wells. In the future, the role of the network from the private sector needs to be increased in the success of water management.