The teak harvesting technique in community forest during the Covid-19

Abstract

Changes in teak harvesting techniques due to the Covid-19 outbreak was investigated at research locations in community teak forests. This research aims to identify the techniques that used in harvesting community teak forests. The techniques used in each harvesting process, including felling, skidding, and timber transportation processes were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that the technique used in the wood harvesting process was a semi-mechanical technique that combined the use of manual and mechanical equipment. Manual equipment is widely used in the felling and skidding process, while mechanical equipment is used in the felling and transportation processes. The felling is carried out to cut down the tree, which is then carried out by dividing the stems into parts that are suitable for skidding. Mechanical equipment in felling using chainsaws in the felling process and for the stems. Furthermore, in the branch cleaning process using manual equipment in the form of machetes. Felling is carried out by one operator by observing four basic steps in felling including determining the direction of felling, making the felling notch and the back cut. Furthermore, the pilgrimage process is carried out using manual equipment by means of a shoulder, using an ARTCO cart, horse, and dompeng. The method used in the skidding process at the research location is still manual with several considerations including; field conditions, such as unavailability of road access to the felling site and scattered locations, volume of timber to be skidded, and relatively low cost. In the final process of harvesting, the transport of skidded wood to the industry is carried out by mechanical engineering using a rented truck based on the number of trips with a maximum load volume of four m3 per trip.