Utilization of biomass from Sago (Metroxylon sp) by local ethnic around the Sentani Lake Jayapura-Papua Province

Abstract

Sago is multi-functional crops for local ethnics living at coastal and low land areas in Papua as main carbohydrate and raw-material of traditional houses. This research is designed to document the utilization and socio cultural values of sago biomass by local ethnic around the Sentani Lake, Jayapura. Field survey and structural interview were used to collect data at Yoboi and Sereh villages. The results indicate that carbohydrates were extracted from pith and other sago’s biomasses were used for green material for various puIDRoses. Leaf are for floor mate, filter starch, carrying bags, housing roof and fishing trap. Sago fronds are for extraction chamber and sedimented starch. Rounded fronds are used for house wall, burning media for lime stone and planting media boxes. Bark of trunks are for flooring and decking their stilts, balcony and firewood. Residual waste from sago pulp are good media for mushroom, planting vegetables, imago inhibitor, and compost. Its fruits are for wall accessories and necklace. Sago lands is also supply animal protein by providing habitat for hunting animals. Socio cultural values mean that sago is ancestor heritage to be saved, utilized, managed proportionally for next generation. This crop is cultural identity contributed to socio cultural and economic values, but these wisdom values are pressuring recently.