The Local Genius of Tengger People in Conserving Forest and Increasing Economic Benefits Using Agroforestry System

Abstract

The supporting capacity of Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park environment, which is inhabited by the Tengger society, is increasingly unbalanced. The local community originally utilized their agricultural land to the cultivate food crops in order to meet daily needs as economic activity. These agricultural activity is shifting to commercial crops such as leek, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, etc. The objectives of the research are: (1) To determine Tengger community activity in utilizing forest area for economic improvement (2) To determine Tengger community form of local wisdom in preserving the forest (3) To understand Tengger community forest management using agroforestry system to preserve the environment and improve the community’s economy. This study utilized descriptive qualitative method. The data was obtained by the reviewing literature related to agroforestry and Tengger society local wisdom, in-depth interview, field observation, and documentation. The results exhibit Tengger community local wisdom, in preserving the forest, still adhering to rituals on harvest periods and applying Tri Hitna Karana. In applying agroforestry, they are less able to perform optimally, because a huge number of pine trees were cut. These trees are considered blocking sunlight vital for vegetable crops growth. As the agricultural land were used for stalls and homestay, therefore as agricultural activity utilized forests instead, even on steep grounds. In conclusion, Bromo Tengger and Semeru National Park should regularly control Tengger community agricultural activity, especially in enclave areas.