The Utilization of Sugar Palm (Arenga pinnata) by the People Around Batang Gadis Nasional Park Area

Abstract

Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) is a non-timber forest species that has long been known as multi benefits plant. Almost all physical and production parts of this plant can be used and have economic value. Juice sap, palm fruit, leaves, palm fiber, and stems is harvested and collected for both commercial and household use yielding some products. This study has objective to identify the potential and utilization of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) in Pastap Julu village around the Batang Gadis National Park area. The utilization of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) is studied by applying a method of collecting data with questionnaires and interviews to the community. The results of this study indicate that the most popular parts of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) harvested by community in Pastu Julu village is male flower section or locally called nira, a traditional sweet cold drink, and is also then processed into palm sugar. Another part collected are female flower section which converted into fruit sweets, leaves for bird cages, and palm stem which is utilized as a fiber brooms.