Asian countries have abundant resources of natural fibers, but unfortunately, they have not been optimally utilized. The facts showed that from 2014 to 2020, there was a shortfall in meeting national demand of over USD 2.75 million per year. Therefore, in order to develop the utilization and improve the economic potential as well as the sustainability of natural fibers, a comprehensive review is required. The study aimed to demonstrate the availability, technological processing, and socio-economical aspects of natural fibers. Although many studies have been conducted on this material, it is necessary to revisit their potential from those perspectives to maximize their use. The renewability and biodegradability of natural fiber are part of the fascinating properties that lead to their prospective use in automotive, aerospace industries, structural and building constructions, bio packaging, textiles, biomedical applications, and military vehicles. To increase the range of applications, relevant technologies in conjunction with social approaches are very important. Hence, in the future, the utilization can be expanded in many fields by considering the basic characteristics and appropriate technologies of the natural fibers. Selecting the most prospective natural fiber for creating national products can be assisted by providing an integrated management system from a digitalized information on potential and related technological approaches. To make it happens, collaborations between stakeholders from the national R&D agency, the government as policy maker, and academic institutions to develop national bioproducts based on domestic innovation in order to move the circular economy forward are essential.

Sonokeling (Dalbergia latifolia Roxb) stands are widely lost throughout the world. Sonokeling is currently classified as an Appendix II CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) wood. Therefore, a study on the existence and characteristics of Sonokeling were expected to contribute in providing population data and basic properties of the wood. Exploration was conducted in Plot No. 25, KPH (Forest Management Unit) Gundih, Perum Perhutani Cepu, Central Java. Sonokeling stands have been planted since 1975 (more than 40 years-old) in an area of 54.20 ha, which was not productive for Teak and mixed with Mahogany. Sample was taken from upper part of stem with around 30 cm in diameter and 30 cm in length. The sample was further cutted into 2 x 2 x 2 cm for physical, 30 x 2 x 2 cm for Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Modulus of Rupture (MOR), and 4 x 2 x 2 cm for Compression Strength Parallel to the Grain (CSPG) tests. The results showed that specific gravity of sapwood dan heartwood were 0.79 and 0.82, respectively. The average values of MOE, MOR, and CSPG were 117,722, 1122.19, and 1022.93 kgf/cm2, respectively. Therefore, Sonokeling can be classified into Strength Class II.

Toba, North Sumatera is famous not only for its tourism destination but also for biodiversity. The aim of this research is to explore the potency of the local plant from Toba as bioinsecticide. Six local plant samples, which consists of genus Compositae, Meliaceae, Staphyleaceae, and Actinidiaceae, were obtained from the Toba region,. The macerated extracts were tested their insecticidal activity against Coptotermes gestroi and Spodoptera litura. Bioassay results showed that leaves extract of Ingul (Toona sinensis) at a concentration of 10% (w/v) had the highest mortality effect against Coptotermes gestroi on the tenth day of observation. Whereas, leaves extracts of Pirdot (Saurauia bracteosa), Ingul (Toona sinensis), and Haurese (Azadirachta indica) at the concentration of 1% (w/v) showed the best insecticidal effect with 80% mortality percentage respectively against Spodoptera litura in 4 hours of observation.

The objective of this research was to determine the wood basic properties of eight years-old fast-growing teakwood (Tectona grandis – Platinum teak wood), in the radial direction of the stem. The anatomical features of the examined teak wood showed semi-ring porous and in general, they had a similarity to those of the conventional teak wood. The ray cell proportion was increased along with the increased distance from the pith area. The size of vessel cell tended to change from pith to the outer part. The radial (R) and tangential (T) shrinkage had improvement compared to those of five years-old Platinum teak wood. The R and T shrinkages were 2.89% and 6.2%, respectively. The present results suggested that wood properties of eight years-old Platinum teak wood is more stable than those of five years-old as reported in the previous study. The compression strength was also increased during the increase of growth age. The values of compression perpendicular and parallel to the grain were 76.74 kg/cm2 and 367.9 kg/cm2, respectively. The increasing of the radial properties indicated that eight years-old Platinum teak wood was still in juvenile stage.

High demand for Agarwood (Gaharu) from natural forest causes the decreasing of their population. In 2004, Indonesia proposed that all natural Agarwood from Gyrinops and Aquilaria generas should be included in the Appendix II CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) list, which could be internationally traded but in certain quota. This paper deals with anatomical observation and characterization on basic properties to find out the difference between Gyrinops and Aquilaria for classification and standardization. Explorations have been conducted at community forests in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara for Gyrinops versteegii (Gilg) Domke; while A. malaccensis Benth., A. microcarpa Baill., A. beccariana Tiegh., and Aquilaria sp. were extracted from Sangau and Ketapang Regencies, West Kalimantan. Wood samples were taken by drilling the trees stem by using a Drill tool to get a pencil-shaped sample of about 20 cm in length and 0.5 cm in diameter. Another sample in form of chips contain bark and wood were also extracted. The results showed that the average specific gravity of Gyrinops and Aquilaria was between 0.31 – 0.35, therefore it was included in the Strength Class IV. Chemical components of injured G. versteegii contained 50.74% holocelullose, 30.50% α-cellulose, 31.98% lignin, and 16.69% extractives. The composition of ray cells in G. versteegii was more complex than Aquilaria generas.