Rotan YKAN's Workshop
Photo caption The spirit and commitment to optimizing non-timber forest products (NTFP) rattan in strengthening the local economy and forest conservation. © YKAN

Perspectives

Utilization of Rattan for Income Improvement

Social Forestry in East Kalimantan (Kaltim) involves local communities managing their forests to improve welfare while preserving the environment. In the 2024-2026 Regional Development Plan, the East Kalimantan Forestry Office targets 20,000 hectares of legal access to social forestry and the development of business capacities for 20 community groups per year. Currently, the area of social forestry in Kaltim covers nearly 297,000 hectares with 197 Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS).

One potential of social forestry is using non-timber forest products, including rattan. The Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) conducted a rattan potential study in East Kalimantan (Kaltim) and North Kalimantan (Kaltara) in 2024. The study identified 40 types of rattan that can be developed.

Photo Caption Arranging several examples of rattan woven products made from fitrit. © YKAN
Photo Caption Participants practiced weaving techniques using fitrit. © YKAN

Rattan is a low-waste material, where every part of the plant can be utilized, from the shoots to the stems. The Dayak people are skilled at weaving and making various rattan products. Traditionally, local people, mostly from the Dayak tribe, sell raw rattan at low prices. Even when turned into woven items, artisans need about a month and 15 steps to produce crafts like anjat (traditional Dayak bags). This lengthy process leads to higher prices for rattan-woven items.

The East Kalimantan Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs recognized this potential and provided rattan processing machines to Teluk Sumbang Village in Berau Regency. These machines help shorten the production process to just five steps, which the village then optimally utilizes. They began producing semi-finished rattan products such as fitrit (thin rattan cord), rattan skin, polished rattan, and dried rattan.

To further develop rattan potential, YKAN, along with the Berau West Production Forest Management Unit and Menapak Indonesia Foundation, conducted capacity-building efforts in rattan-producing villages and among artisans in Berau. Representatives from eight villages (Pandansari, Long Ayan, Punan Malinau, Long La'ai, Long Ayap, Punan Mahkam, Punan Segah, and Teluk Sumbang) participated in training to strengthen business groups and teach rattan weaving techniques in mid-November 2024. Most villagers are of the Dayak ethnic group. These eight villages are expected to become model communities for optimizing rattan utilization.

Photo Caption The spirit and commitment to optimizing non-timber forest products (NTFP) rattan in strengthening the local economy and forest conservation. © YKAN

Rattan utilization in Berau Regency is growing. With the introduction of a fitrit splitting machine (rattan core), rattan traders in Teluk Sumbang, Biduk-Biduk District, are excited to produce more. Previously, they only sold raw rattan. The machine adds value by enabling the production of fitrit and rattan skin from raw rattan. Fitrit is typically woven into fruit baskets, which can be sold for up to Rp 35,000.