Indonesian urban forest policies, practice and bioenergy potential of urban forest tree species

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines Indonesian urban forest policy, practice, and potential with reference to forest composition and bioenergy potential. The results showed that there are challenges in the implementation of urban forest policies into urban forest practices. For example, the land size allocation for urban forests in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Malang is still not in accordance with the existing policies as their land size is far less than 10% of these total areas. Predominant tree species in Indonesian urban forestry are Pterocarpus indicus, Delonix regia, Polyalthia longifolia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Mimusops elengi, Samanea saman, Tectona grandis, Ficus benjamina, Mangifera indica, and Tamarindus indica. These trees are considered as multipurpose species that can be utilised for bioenergy, wood-based furniture, food and foraging, medicine, and many other uses. Aside from firewood and charcoal, these trees should be explored for their potential as biofuel, biogas, bio-pellet, and electricity generation. Bioenergy potential of urban forest trees can be an important consideration for the Government of Indonesia to actualise the potential of the urban forest and to create energy-independent cities.