Social capital in a pandemic: The case of Yogyakarta

Looking out for each other: Under ‘canthelan’, those in need can pick up food such as rice, instant noodles, vegetables, spices and eggs for free. — Kagama

WHEN the government declared the Covid-19 pandemic a national disaster and decided to restrict public mobility in mid-April, I was stranded in Yogyakarta and worked from home for a good three months.

While struggling to juggle working hours with domestic chores, I managed to observe a neighbourhood initiative called canthelan (Javanese for hook) and a community-based WhatsApp group called sonjo. Interestingly, they share similar features such as gaining widespread popularity, having philanthropic characteristics and a clear sense of solidarity.