PERAN LEMBAGA SOSIAL DALAM MENINGKATKAN KESEJAHTERAAN SOSIAL MASYARAKAT PEDESAAN DI DESA KETINDAN LAWANG

This study examines the role of Village Social Institutions (Lembaga Sosial Desa/LSD) in enhancing the social welfare of rural communities in Ketindan Village, Lawang District. The research specifically aims to identify the existing social institutions, analyze their roles, and evaluate the effectiveness of their programs in improving community welfare. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the social phenomena. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that several social institutions, namely BUMDes, PKK, and Karang Taruna, play significant and complementary roles across economic, social, educational, and health dimensions. BUMDes functions as a local economic driver through the management of village-based enterprises, PKK contributes to strengthening family welfare through health, education, and household economic programs, while Karang Taruna promotes youth participation and supports community-based development initiatives. The synergy among these institutions, supported by active community involvement, has contributed to measurable improvements in various aspects of social welfare. However, the study also reveals several challenges, including uneven levels of community participation and limitations in institutional capacity and human resources. These constraints affect the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the programs implemented. In conclusion, strengthening institutional capacity, improving coordination among stakeholders, and fostering broader community participation are essential strategies to optimize the role of village social institutions in achieving sustainable rural social welfare.