The utilization of Pandan Coconut (Pandanaceae) at the interior tribes Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

Pandanus is one of the unique plants, especially for Austronesia and Melanesia society in tropical areas, including Papua. The one of Pandanus which often exploited by local people in the middle mountain of Papua called coconut pandan (Pandanus juilianettii Martelli). The aim of this study is to determine the utilization of coconut pandan by Lanny Jaya tribes in the middle mountain of Papua by using qualitative approaches (observation and interview). Purposive and snowball sampling has been used for informant selection. The results showed that all the plant organs (leaves, stem, roots, and fruits) could be utilized. For instance, the stem organs are used as materials for house building such floor and walls, and it also can be used as firewood. The people of this tribe also utilized the leaves as traditional mats and umbrella, and the leaves from Woromo cultivars can be used as cigarette rolls. The root fiber is used as material for making a traditional bag (noken) and to make the arrow. People of this tribe also consumed the fruits of coconut pandan because it tastes like coconut fruits.