Modal Sosial Pokdarwis Baramuda dalam Pelestarian Cagar Budaya Megalitikum Pekauman Kabupaten Bondowoso

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the social capital of the Baramuda as a Tourism Awareness Group in preserving megalithic cultural heritage in Pekauman Village, Bondowoso Regency. Pekauman Village is one of the megalithic heritage areas in Bondowoso with potential for cultural tourism and historical education. In preservation efforts, Baramuda plays a role in cultural preservation activities, tourism development, promotion, and local community empowerment. This study uses Robert D. Putnam’s social capital theory, which emphasizes trust, social norms, and social networks. This research employed a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation involving the Department of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports, managers of the Bondowoso Megalithic Information Center (PIMB), village government, Baramuda’s members, and the local community. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that the social capital of Baramuda as a Tourism Awareness Group formed through trust, social norms, and social networks. Trust is reflected in the cooperation between the government and Baramuda in cultural preservation and tourism development activities. Social norms are seen in the division of roles, responsibilities, and collective awareness in preserving cultural heritage. Social networks are formed through relationships between Baramuda, the government, PIMB managers, local communities, and external institutions. However, several challenges were identified, including declining member participation, limited communication and coordination, low public trust in the economic potential of cultural tourism, and the influence of modernization on cultural preservation awareness. This study concludes that social capital plays an important role in supporting the sustainability of megalithic cultural heritage preservation and community-based cultural tourism development in Pekauman Village.