Empowering Communities through Social Entrepreneurship and Digital Technology: Case Study of the Kosabangsa Program in Sumberjaya Village, Pandeglang

Abstract

Climate change and natural disasters that are increasingly occurring have added to the vulnerability of people in disaster-prone areas, such as Sumberjaya Village, Sumur District, Pandeglang Regency. The Kosabangsa 2024 program, implemented by Budi Luhur University and Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, aims to strengthen the socio-economic resilience of the community through empowerment based on social entrepreneurship and digital technology. The program integrates two main groups: the Sustainable Community Movement (GEMARI), which focuses on disaster preparedness, and the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), which aims to develop local tourism potential. This article uses a qualitative approach with field study methods, participatory observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation to analyze the impact of program implementation on community empowerment. The study results show that this program has succeeded in improving community disaster preparedness through risk mitigation training, emergency technology, and disaster data management. In addition, social entrepreneurship training, especially in digital marketing of local tourism products, has succeeded in introducing the potential of village tourism to a broader market. However, challenges such as limited technology infrastructure and digital literacy are obstacles to implementing the program. Nevertheless, the Kosabangsa program has had a positive impact, such as increased tourists and demand for local products. This program has the potential to have a long-term impact on social and economic resilience and become a model of sustainable community empowerment in disaster-prone areas.