The Bamboo and Rattan Sectors in Asia: an Analysis of ... - INBAR

the timber plantations (a comparison of management regimes showed that a pine
plantation in a 25 year rotation generates an IRR of 14.8% while adding rattan at year
10 raises the IRR up to 15.6%) and could be a valuable source of good quality raw
material to supply the important rattan products industry.
However, the extent of new areas planted is decreasing and has even become nil
in some areas. The main reason given is that it is difficult to attract laborers. The
report suggests raising the wage level. There may also be other viable alternatives.
Currently, Perum Perhutani administers the entire system. Local people
participate only as wage laborers. The only exception is the 'tumpang sari' system of
rattan establishment that follows a modified taungya approach. This approach could
be expanded to cover the whole rattan plantations cycle. In other words, the state
Forest Department could allocate land in their plantation forests for private rattan
cultivation. People could contribute their own labor. Technical assistance might be
required to provide management techniques, planting material, etc. The state could
charge rent for long-term lease (i.e. one full rattan planting cycle of 15 years). Whatever
mechanism is used, there is a need for secure tenure and a fair system of allocation
of rights.
There is still a need to improve efficiency and competitiveness in industry. This
could be achieved through improving the availability and reliability of market
information. Improved grading standards, which employ criteria that are useful to
and practical for small-scale growers and traders, could be very helpful. Also, a
number of opportunities can be identified at the gatherer level, such as the creation
of an auction market. Other options include the removal or reduction of the prohibitive
tax on the export of semi-processed rattan, and the development and extension of
improved appropriate processing technology for small-scale operators.
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