The Analysis of Management and Timber Trade System of Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi) From Peat Swamp Forest in South Kalimantan

Abstract

Until now the raw material of wood especially Gelam (<em>Melaleuca cajuputi</em>) available for supporting the construction of housing and other infrastructures is increasingly large in Indonesia. On the Island of Borneo that partly consists of swamps needs Gelam very large and continuous, particularly for residential development. However, areas of peat swamp forest habitat of this plant from year to year are degradation and shrinkage. This situation is a very big influence on the population of Gelam, while the management and timber trade systems are not well regulated. This study aims to analyze the management and timber trade systems of Gelam particularly in South Kalimantan to provide input to the policy holder in the preservation of Gelam. The method was used a field survey and interviews with traders and policy holders related regulations. The results showed in South Kalimantan the potency of Gelam is only 2,9-7,1 m3/ha and decreasing yearly. Normally Gelam with a diameter <4 cm have been cut down, as well as > 30 cm. These dimensions should not be cut because of <4 cm too young and > 30 cm can be used as seed sources. Gelam derived from peat swamp forest, which mostly comes from the Batola District and some came from Kapuas District of Central Kalimantan. Distributions of Gelam were starting gatherers logging in the forest then sold to small gatherers, next to the large gatherers and distributed to all districts/cities in South Kalimantan, wood processing industries, and some of them were sent to Java. The silviculture system of Gelam was using selective cutting. Classification of wood sizes traded by the diameter divided into 3-4cm, 5-6cm, 7-8cm, 9-10cm, 11-12cm, 13-14cm, 15-19cm and > 20cm to 4m long. Its use consists of a small diameter (3-10cm) for foundry building and firewood, while the large diameter (10-20cm) for the construction of houses in swampy areas, and waste as well as the stems are bent and deformed used for firewood. Until now Gelam becomes into the business community and potential sources of local government revenue if managed properly. However, due to the rules of management and administration in South Kalimantan was not going well, thus threatening the sustainability especially with the growing extent of peat lands being converted into palm oil plantations.

ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF GELAM (Melaleuca cajuputi) ON PEATLAND IN SOUTH KALIMANTAN

“…This situation shows that the gelam harvested in the district of Hulu Sungai Selatan is illegal. However, in reality the field is still outstanding gelam obtained from this region (Arifin et al 2014). Gelam logging originating from South Kalimantan region is only used for local needs in the province.…”

“…Under existing regulation in the Batola District that stem diameters of <4cm and >30cm should not be harvested for preservation purposes as mentioned before. This means that the regulations enacted there is not going well, so monitoring and strict enforcement needs to be done (Arifin et al 2014).…”

Utilization Pattern and Potential of Gelam Wood (Melaleuca Cajuputi Powell) as a Foundation Structure

“…In South Kalimantan, gelam wood mainly originates from Batola Subdistrict, Tanah Laut Regency, Tapin Regency, South Hulu Sungai Regency, and some parts of Central Kalimantan, specifically Dadahup Village in Kapuas Regency. As the center of production, Batola Subdistrict has the potential to produce gelam wood between 2.9 to 7.1 m 3 /Ha, although this has been decreasing every year [3,4].…”

“…It is not only used in the development of wetland stilt housing, but also in the production of planks and beams for the interior of the house, as well as debris and scraps used as firewood. [3]. Furthermore, gelam wood as shown in Figure 1 has special properties which make it suitable to be used as part of the foundation of house buildings along the riverbank.…”

Gelam Wood (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell) as a Substructure Construction Material

“…Meanwhile, gelam wood with a diameter of up to 10 cm and larger is used as pillars or building foundations for the construction of houses on stilts that require pegs to stilt pillars to resist soil erosion, and as construction material, namely for wooden beams and boards, as well as for making wooden crates in packaging. in freight forwarding, while the remaining wood is used for firewood [3].…”