Vegetation Structure and Composition in Taman Wisata Alam (TWA) Sicike-cike as Ritual Site for Local Community

Abstract

Taman Wisata Alam Sicike-cike is a nature conservation area intended for the benefit of natural tourism and recreation. TWA Sicike-cike besides being used as tourist site, is also known for its ritual or traditional ceremonial site performed by the Pakpak-Dairi tribe. Presence of local wisdom on forest management, such as tapping the sap of incense (Styrax paralleloneuron) and floral organ are commonly utilized as a worship material during traditional rituals. The importance of this forest region for local communities is crucial for the sustainability of the local wisdom of the Pakpak-Dairi tribe. This study aims to determine the vegetation structure and composition in ceremonial sites located within TWA Sicike-cike. The study used vegetational analysis to obtain Importance Value Index (IVI) from each structures (seedling, sappling, pole and tree. The results showed that the largest INP at seedling to tree structure was dominated by Rhododendron malayanum with 46.29, 26.41, 55.53, and 28.99 for seedling, sapling, pole and tree, respectively. Shannon’s diversity index (H’) in this region falls between medium to high diversity categories. Hence, Rhododendron malayanum is considered as primary indicator of typical vegetation in ceremonial site of TWA Sicike-cike which dominate all types of vegetational structure with complete growth rate.

Diversity, risk and management feasibility of invasive alien plants in the border zone of Sicike-cike Nature Tourism Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia

“…The environmental condition recorded during the survey was air temperature (19-23 o C), relative humidity (88-98%), altitude (1300-1400 m a.s.l), and soil pH (4.5-6.0) with a cool climate. At malayanum was documented as the primary indicator of typical vegetation in the study site (Huda et al 2020). This area is geographically located at 02º35´-2º41' N and 98º20´-98º30´ E.…”

“…Invasive alien plant species cause danger to their invaded area because they can adapt rapidly to their new environment, moreover in protected areas. Taman Wisata Alam (Nature Tourism Park) Sicike-cike or so-called TWA Sicike-cike is a protected area in Dairi District, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia which is designated as a natural tourism destination and also serves as an important area for local communities to carry out their rituals or maintain their beliefs (Huda et al 2020). Pakpak Batak ethnic people are adherents of the sacred Sicike-cike forest.…”