Social capital, human capital, and quality of life in rural Indonesia

In rural areas where tourism and agriculture intersect, community wellbeing is shaped not only by economic resources but also by intangible forms of capital, particularly social capital (SC) and human capital (HC). This study examines the influence of SC and HC on Quality of Life (QoL) in Sidomulyo Village, a tourism-oriented rural community in Indonesia. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), the analysis draws on household survey data from 307 respondents collected in May–June 2023. The findings show that both SC and HC significantly enhance QoL, with the effect of HC largely mediated through SC. These results highlight the central role of trust, cooperation, and kinship networks in supporting collective wellbeing. By demonstrating how interactions between human and social capital contribute to inclusive and sustainable outcomes, the study offers empirical insights for rural tourism development and provides policy-relevant guidance for fostering resilient, community-led tourism models.