Jaringan Sosial dan Pemberdayaan Komunitas Difabel Kabupaten Cirebon Desa Durajaya

Abstrak

People with disabilities still face various structural and systemic barriers in gaining equal access to economic and social services. In Cirebon Regency, the disabled community has begun developing social networks as an empowerment strategy, one of which is through the formation of Joint Business Groups. This study aims to examine how social networks are formed, managed, and utilized by the disabled community in an effort to achieve economic independence and social inclusion. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method, data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation within the disabled community in Durajaya Village, Cirebon Regency. The analysis was conducted thematically with reference to Putnam's social capital theory, which includes elements of trust, norms, and social networks as the foundation for bonding and bridging social capital. The results show that social networks play a crucial role in enhancing solidarity, opening access to resources, and encouraging constructive social transformation. However, limited marketing and external support remain major challenges. Therefore, cross-sector collaboration, capacity building, and inclusive policies are crucial factors in strengthening the sustainable empowerment of the disabled community.