Reforestation and Sustainable Management of Pinus merkusii Forest Plantation in Indonesia: A Review

Abstract

Pinus merkusii Jungh et de Vriese, known as Tusam or Sumatran pine, is the only pine that grows naturally in the south of the Equator with its natural distribution found in Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The Sumatran pine is an economically and ecologically important species in Indonesia that covers three native strains, Aceh, Kerinci, and Tapanuli. The resin tapping of the pine has been practiced for hundreds of years while its timber has long been commercially used for various purposes. Although the pine is known as highland species, its adaptability on a wide spectrum environment makes it suitable for various restoration and rehabilitation purposes both in lowland and highland sites. Its high commercial values have also made the species be massively planted in pine plantations outside their natural distribution in Sumatera (i.e., in Java and Sulawesi island). This paper will review the current condition of Sumatran pine and its potential as a restoration and rehabilitation species and delivering its natural and artificial distribution map in Indonesia. In addition, the paper will also show the genetic variability of the species, determine the current innovative practices in silvicultural aspect both at nursery and plantation scales, describe tree improvement program, including its role in agroforestry practices, pine product both timber and non-timber, and its potential resources in relation with climate change mitigation management.

Improved Coffee Management by Farmers in State Forest Plantations in Indonesia: An Experimental Platform

“…Ensuring coffee farming is profitable in terms of returns for the invested labor must be a priority. Forests, however, play a role in wider regional and national economic and environmental objectives [27]; thus it is also important that solutions consider environmental sustainability and cultural context [5,8]. This will support safeguarding the long-term survival of the social forestry program and help to maximize the benefits to the community as a whole.…”

Are Tree Seed Systems for Forest Landscape Restoration Fit for Purpose? An Analysis of Four Asian Countries

“…The certificate is valid indefinitely as long as the function and status of the seed source remain unchanged [95] There are no specific mechanisms to protect seed sources after registration, and illegal logging and land conversion therefore still happen within the source populations. Improved material from tree improvement programs is available for many native species such as the Merkus Pine, Jabon and Cajuput (e.g., [96,97]). Priority species are available in the 57 units of Permanent Nurseries, and community nurseries [76,98].…”

Evaluation of Aphid Resistance and Oleoresin Production in Indigenous Tropical Pine (Pinus merkusii Jungh. and de Vriese)

“…As a pioneer species, Pinus merkusii Jungh. and de Vriese is the only one native pine species in Indonesia, called tusam, which is also found in several Southeast Asian countries [1]. This pine is grown as the second largest artificially regenerated forest after teak in Java for oleoresin production.…”