Social Impact of Culture-Based Community Empowerment Program: Qualitative Study of Maengket Program for Vulnerable Communities in Tomohon, North Sulawesi

Empowering vulnerable communities through a local culture-based approach has not yet gained prominence in the formulation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) program design, despite its substantial potential to create sustainable social impact.This research aims to examine the social impact of the Maengket Program initiated by PT PLN Indonesia Power UBP Kamojang UP PLTP Lahendong on vulnerable communities in North Sulawesi.Using a descriptive qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, FGDs, and documentation analysis, and analyzed through the Miles and Huberman model within a qualitative social impact assessment framework, the findings reveal a positive impact in three key dimensions: psychosocial transformation through increased environmental awareness, strengthening social capital through community cohesion, and indirect economic benefits through productive activities based on culture.In addition, this program strengthens the relationship between companies and communities through the integration of local cultural values into CSR strategies.This study underscores the need to mainstream cultural empowerment models in both development policies and corporate sustainability strategies to promote inclusive and contextual development.