Journal of Socioeconomics and Development. 2020. 3(2): 74-78 Journal of Socioeconomics and Development https://publishing-widyagama.ac.id/ejournal-v2/index.php/jsed Fostering online social capital during the COVID-19 pandemic and new normal Iwan Nugroho Editor in chief, Journal of Socioeconomics and Development, Widyagama University of Malang *Correspondence email: iwanuwg@widyagama.ac.id INTRODUCTION COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting all over the world. All socio-economic aspects of life are affected by the pandemic and they carry implications for the policies of each country. Bauch & Galvani (2013) have identified SARS-coronavirus as a dangerous virus, and a vaccine has yet to be found. The pandemic may still be continuing to provide certain threats and pressures that affect the life of every individual (Bard, 2020). Life in various fields has changed markedly. In many ways, it has created a new culture that never existed before. Indonesian government continues to work on curbing the pandemic by involving other interested parties. The updated data by September 28, 2020 showed a total case of 278,722 infected people, 204,870 recovered patients, 61,379 patients in care and isolation, and 10,472 people died (https://covid19.go.id/peta-sebaran/). The trend of increasing cases is predicted to remain in place, with the confirmed number approaching 4,000 cases a day (Figure 1). Efforts to implement social distancing have been carried out in many regions which show a significant number of cases. However, there is a lengthy discussion regarding the implications of social Citation: Nugroho, I. (2020). Fostering online social capital during the COVID-19 pandemic and new normal. Journal of Socioeconomics and Development, 3(2), 74-78. https://doi.org/10.31328/jsed.v3i2.1640 ISSN 2615-6075 online; ISSN 2615-6946 print ©UWG Press, 2020 ABSTRACT The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia shows a worrying phenomenon. The trend of increasing cases continues, with the number of confirmed cases approaching 4000 cases a day. Efforts to implement social distancing have been carried out in various regions which show a significant number of cases. At present, the Indonesian government has also prepared economic recovery through the new normal concept, by reopening public service activities and business economy while strictly implementing health protocols. This paper tries to provide a conception of online social capital to recommend solving the pandemic problem. Online social capital will generate productivity in people's lives in adherence to health protocols such as handwashing, wearing face masks, and other protective measures attempts. Furthermore, online social capital is expected to have an impact on smoothing the infection curve and stopping the transmission of the virus. This article suggests four steps including managing infodemic and literacy capacity, staying at home and protecting families from the spread of the virus, utilizing digital communication effectively, and preparing emergency response procedures for disaster management. ARTICLE INFO ►Editorial Article History Received 20 September 2020 Accepted 30 September 2020 Published 31 October 2020 Keywords new normal; pandemic; public health; social distancing; social capital JEL Classification H51; I18; O35