“Jogo Tonggo”

In addition to medical care, social capital is crucial for combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This article examines “jogo tonggo,” meaning “looking after your neighbor,” as a crucial social capital factor in effectively combating COVID-19 in Central Java, Indonesia. The “jogo tonggo” program addresses not only material needs but also the psychological well-being of COVID-19 patients in the surrounding community. The program is designed to help communities address pandemic-related issues, such as economic hardship, religious practices, psychological impacts, and domestic violence. The study aimed to explore the role of social capital in managing the COVID-19 epidemic. This study found that the “jogo tonggo” program, which utilizes social capital to combat the pandemic, is crucial for minimizing the social impact of the outbreak. Numerous community empowerment programs are incorporated into the “jogo tonggo” program’s implementation, which contributes to its success. Community empowerment required the participation of community leaders, particularly religious leaders, in assisting the government in determining any measures to reduce the outbreak’s impact. During this critical period of the pandemic in Indonesia, especially in Java, community leaders have more confidence than government agencies. This research is related to the sustainable development goals (SDGs): theme 1 (No Poverty) and theme 3 (Public Health).