Sustainable utilizations of Pohpohan (Pilea melastomoides (Poir.) Wedd) in Tamansari Village, West Java-Indonesia

Abstract

Forest plays an important role in producing timber and non-timber product to fulfill human beings’ prerequisites and live hood, a source of income for many communities and becomes the solutions to any other challenges. The community in Taman Sari Village cooperates with Gunung Halimun Salak National Park through a conservation partnership program to cultivate and commercialize pohpohan (Pilea melastomoides (Poir.) Wedd) in the traditional zone. This species is known as indigenous fresh aromatic vegetable and contain valuable potential phytochemical such as antibacterial and anti-cancer. Pohpohan is traditionally cultivated by the community since the 1980s in Tamansari village, this culture is still practiced by the community who join as member of the Kelompok Tani Mandiri (KTM). This study aims to document and analyze the sustainable traditional cultivation of pohpohan in Tamansari village by collaborating with all members (56) of the KTM. The study applied mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, to gain more understanding of the community dynamic. Generally, the cultivation and utilization of pohpohan are managed traditionally using manual tools such as hoes and sickles. Yet this approach is considered as environmentally friendly and resourceful for their limited land. A total 34% of pohpohan farmers are in the age class 55-65, indicates the importance of regeneration to verify its sustainability.