Design of arboretum and ecotourism complex on Kahatex green open space in Jatiroke Village

Abstract

Jatinangor district, located in Sumedang regency, is experiencing forest degradation due to rapid development spurred by its designation as a transport hub between Bandung, Garut, and Sumedang. In order to facilitate more environmentally sustainable developments in Jatinangor, approaches involving local communities in land rehabilitation is essential. One such proposal is the development of 8.18 ha of land in Jatiroke Village. In collaboration with Jatiroke locals and Geulis Mountain Communications Forum (GMCF) and PT. Kahatex, the land is planned to be transformed into a green open space for ecotourism complex based on the DEWA (Desa Edukasi Wisata Agro or Agro-tourism Educational Village) concept ensuring sustained benefits for the environment and the local populace. The complex is planned to have intensive and non-intensive zones. The intensive zone facilitates the visitors and supporting utilities while the non-intensive zone facilitates vegetation cultivation. The area’s planned main conservation facility is the Arboretum of Textile Dyeing Trees which hosts 20 tree species, 2 bush species, and 4 herb species traditionally used as dyes and are native to Western Java. This forest restoration project, involving collaboration with villagers and a corporation, is slated to exemplify the importance of environmental sustainability through ecotourism and education for all involved.