The impacts of economic crisis on forest and villagers at the forest frontier: a case in South Sumatera production forest. / Dampak krisis ekonomi terhadap kondisi hutan dan masyarakat sekitar hutan: kasus di hutan produksi Sumatera Selatan

A study was conducted to determine the impact of an economic crisis on the forestry sector in Sumatra, Indonesia. During the crisis, the production of roundwood decreased from positive 50% to -13.5%, and 41.5% of the forestry work force lost their jobs. For farmers in the forestry sector, it was found that income from the most profitable planting pattern (karet and padi) has decreased 27% economically and 9.5% financially during the crisis. The source of illegal cutting was from production forests with merawan, merbau and pulai [Hopea merawan, Intsia sp. and Alstonia sp., respectively] as the main tree species. Plantation forests that belonged to forest concessionaires were not affected because of their clear status and ownership, despite their harvestable age. These results have a number of policy implications: (1) the economic crisis and reform are expected to become a blessing in disguise for the government to improve the current policies regarding forest management, community and other involved institutions; (2) the perceived status of forest estate needs to be addressed in both legal and social contexts to prevent further exploitation; and (3) there is a need for a community education regarding rubber [Hevea brasiliensis] plantations, forest fire protection and law.