The development of Industrial Plantation Forest (IPF)has three main objectives that can be achieved, namely economic, ecological, and social targets. Based on these objectives, the development of IPF must positively influence the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the communities surrounding the IPF area. To realize the development of IPF, many parties are involved, one of which is the community, specifically those residing around the forest area. The involvement and participation of the surrounding community, both in providing material and non-material support, as well as cooperating with other involved parties, can facilitate and expedite the implementation of IPF development. Therefore, the communities around the forest area will undoubtedly be affected by IPF development both socially and economically.
Socio-economic life refers to everything that describes an individual's status or position within a community group, determined by the type of economic activity, education, and income. Several factors can determine the socio-economic status of people in the community,
including education level, type of employment, income level, living environment conditions, wealth ownership, and participation in community group activities. In this context, the discussion is limited to four determining factors: education level, income, wealth ownership, and type of employment (Siti Sarah et al, 2023)
The potential in the acacia wood industrial plantation sector is highly profitable, and the available land is still quite extensive. Therefore, the government has implemented policies to encourage the expansion of acacia wood industrial plantations in Indonesia, namely through licensing for the utilization of forest areas for investors who will cultivate forest plants, especially acacia wood industrial plants (Ridwan Fauzi, 2019). One of the provinces in Indonesia that has developed acacia wood industrial plantations is South Sumatra.[Sugeng, Bambang] Currently, the development of acacia wood industrial plantations located along the eastern coast of one of the regencies in South Sumatra Province, namely Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) Regency, is aimed at rehabilitating forests that are beginning to deteriorate and experience deforestation. Furthermore, forest fires occurring from year to year have led to subsidence (rapid peatland subsidence), decreased water levels, and unproductive areas.(Nabila Muhammmad, 2023)
Industrial Plantation Forest is a managed and cultivated forest based on the principles of sustainability, benefit, and corporate principles. Its purpose is to enhance the potential and quality of production forests by applying intensive silviculture to meet the raw material needs of the forest industry (According to the Ministry of Enviroment and Forestry, 2019)
The Mesuji Industrial Plantation Forest is directly adjacent to Lampung Province, where the entire forest area is under the management of the Industrial Plantation Forest Company, PT Bumi Mekar Hijau, a subsidiary of the Sinar Mas Group. The majority of this area is no longer dominated by natural forests and consists mainly of secondary peat swamp forests covering an area of 754 hectares (considered as the burned IPF area).
3.3. Data Analysis and Interpretation
The data related to the value of benefits from Industrial Plantation Forests are as follows:
Table 1. IPF as Honey Producer
|
Honey Producer (kilogram/hectare)
|
Honey Price (rupiah)
|
The Area of IPF that is Burned (hectare)
|
|
30
|
100.000
|
754
|
Source: (Wahyunto et al, 2005)(Horwood et al, 2010)(Octavia Susilo et al, 2019).
Table above shows the honey production per hectare in the Industrial Plantation Forest (IPF) and the price of honey per kilogram. With a burned IPF area of 754 hectares, there is a significant potential loss in honey production, directly impacting the income of communities involved in beekeeping activities in the area.
Table 2 .Mesuji Regency Wood Production (WP) in 2023
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Wood Types
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WP in South Sumatera (kg)
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WP In Mesuji Regency (kg)
|
|
Roundwood
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10.180.355,00
|
24.464,00
|
|
Sawn Timer
|
23.897,92
|
57.428,00
|
|
Plawood
|
14.804,00
|
35.575,00
|
|
Total wood Production
|
|
111.467
|
Source: (Arnanto et al, 2023)( Al-GhaniAl et al, 2017)
This table lists the production of various types of wood in South Sumatra and specifically in Mesuji Regency. The types of wood produced include roundwood, sawn timber, and plywood. The total wood production in Mesuji Regency is 111,467 kilograms, highlighting the significant contribution of IPF to the local wood industry.
Table 3. IPF as Wood Producer.
|
Wood Producer (kg)
|
Wood Price (Rp/kg)
|
|
111.467
|
50.000
|
Souce :(Anjasari et al, 2009)(Octavia et al, 2019).
Table 3 outlines the total wood production from the IPF and the price of wood per kilogram. With a total production of 111,467 kilograms and a price of Rp. 50,000 per kilogram, the IPF provides a substantial economic contribution to the wood industry.
Table 4.IPF as Water Cycle Regulator
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Average Rainfall Before the IPF was burned (mm)
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Average Rainfall After IPF was burned (mm)
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Duration of Peatland Recovery (year)
|
|
300
|
100
|
1
|
Source :(Meteorology,Climatology and Geophisical, 2023)(Risnandar, 2015)
Table 4 shows the change in average rainfall before and after the IPF was burned. The significant decrease in rainfall from 300 mm to 100 mm illustrates the impact of fires on the water cycle regulation function of the peatland. The estimated recovery period to restore the peatland to its original condition is one year.
Table 5 IPF as a Hydrology Cycle
|
Amount of Released Carbon (ton)
|
Carbon Price (rupiah)
|
|
427,2
|
252.000
|
Soource :(CNN Indonesia, 2020)( Bauhus J et all, 2010)(Edwin Martin et al, 2010)
Table 5 lists the amount of carbon released due to the fires in the IPF area and the price of carbon per ton. The release of 427.2 tons of carbon with a price of Rp. 252,000 per ton indicates significant economic and environmental losses due to forest fires.
3.4. Context and Interpretation of Numerical Results
The value of the benefits of the Industrial Plantation Forest (IPF) in Mesuji District is significant and can be categorized into several key areas: honey production, wood production, water cycle regulation, and hydro logical cycle maintenance. Here’s a detailed interpretation of each benefit and the practical implications of their loss due to forest fires:
3.2.1 IPF as Honey Producer
The IPF concession area is highly suitable for honeybee cultivation due to the presence of Acacia crassicarpa trees, which thrive in peatland and provide nectar for bees, particularly the Apis mellifera species that produce acacia honey. This honey production is not only an economic activity but also supports community involvement in peat conservation
Calculation of Loss:
· Honey Production per Hectare (H1): 30 kg
· Honey Price per kg (H2): Rp. 100,000
· Area of Burnt IPF (H3): 754 ha
· Total Loss: 30 kg/ha × Rp. 100,000/kg × 754 ha = Rp. 2,262,000,000
The loss of honey for supplying raw materials for the forestry industry, particularly acacia wood, which is in high demand production
due to forest fires represents a significant economic setback for local communities involved in beekeeping. This also impacts the conservation
efforts as reduced honey production might lead to lesser community engagement in peatland conservation activities.
3.2.2. IPF as Wood Producer (K)
The IPF area is crucial for paper production
Calculation of Loss:
· Wood Production per Hectare (K1): 111,467 kg
· Wood Price per kg (K2): Rp. 500
· Area of Burnt IPF (K3): 754 ha
· Total Loss: 111,467 kg/ha × Rp. 500/kg × 754 ha = Rp. 42,023,059,000
The substantial economic loss from wood production highlights the dependency of local industries on the IPF.This loss also affects the employment and income of local communities engaged in forestry and wood processing.
3.2.3. IPF as Water Cycle Regulator (SK)
Forests regulate the water cycle and prevent soil erosion. The past fire incidents have disrupted the peat ecosystem, impacting local livelihoods and requiring extensive restoration efforts .
Calculation of Loss:
· Average Rainfall Before Burning (SK1): 300 mm/year
· Average Rainfall After Burning (SK2): 100 mm/year
· Recovery Period (SK3): 1 year
· Price of Water per m³ (SK4): Rp. 3,997
· Area of Burnt IPF (SK5): 754 ha
· Total Loss: 300 mm × 100 mm × 1 year × Rp. 3,997/m³ × 754 ha = Rp. 90,412,140,000 The loss in water regulation capacity can lead to increased soil erosion and decreased water availability, affecting agriculture and local water supply. The financial loss underscores the need for effective forest management and fire prevention strategies.
3.2.4. IPF as Hydrological Cycle (HC)
The hydrological cycle in forests is closely linked to carbon sequestration and flood prevention. Burnt IPF areas result in significant carbon release and potential flooding issues
Calculation of Loss:
· Carbon Released per Hectare (HC1): 427.2 ton
· Carbon Price per ton (HC2): Rp. 299,721.12
· Area of Burnt IPF (HC3): 754 ha
· Total Loss: 427.2 ton/ha × Rp. 299,721.12/ton × 754 ha = Rp. 96,542,810,298
The release of carbon contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. The loss of hydrological function can lead to more severe and frequent flooding, affecting both local ecosystems and communities.
3.2.5. Practical Implications and Relevance:
The significant financial losses in honey production, wood production, water regulation, and hydrological cycle functions underscore the critical importance of the IPF in Mesuji District. These losses highlight the urgent need for comprehensive forest management and fire prevention strategies to safeguard these economic and ecological benefits. Effective restoration and conservation efforts are essential to mitigate the impact of forest fires and ensure the sustainable use of IPF resources for the future.
Table 6 Total Losses Due to Peatland Fire in Industrial Plantation Forest Area
|
Benefit/Fuction
|
Losses (in rupiah )
|
|
IPF as honey producer
|
2.262.000
|
|
IPF as wood producer
|
42.023.059.000.000
|
|
IPF as water cycle regulator
|
90.412.140.000
|
|
IPF as hydrological cycle regulate
|
96.542.810.297,856
|
|
Total Losses in IPF Area
|
42.113.604.072.298
|
Table 6 presents data on the total losses due to peatland fires in the Industrial Plantation Forest (IPF) area, measured in rupiah. Below is a detailed explanation of each category of loss and how the data should be interpreted:
Loss of Honey Production: RP. 2,262,000 from the IPF area due to peatland fires. Bees that typically use the area for honey production lose their habitat, leading to a decrease in honey production.
The Largest Loss: RP. 42,023,059,000,000 from the loss of wood production. The burned IPF area results in a significant loss of trees that could have been harvested and sold for various industrial purposes, such as paper production, furniture, and other wood products.
IPF as a Water Cycle Regulator: RP. 90,412,140,000. This loss encompasses the negative impact on the ecosystem function of IPF in regulating the water cycle. Peatland fires disrupt the area's ability to maintain water balance, which can affect water availability for irrigation, consumption, and other needs.
IPF as a Hydro logical Cycle Regulator: RP. 96,542,810,297,866. This loss affects the peatland's role in water regulation and absorption.
Total Loss in the IPF Area: RP. 42,113,604,072,298, highlighting the massive economic impact of peatland fires in the IPF area, covering various lost or disrupted ecosystem functions. The amounts of rupiah spent on corporate social responsibility by companies serve as an excuse to show the company's concern for the community and the environment, but on the other hand, it indicates that this disaster continues to recur repeatedly. The development process with the concept of sustainable development, which does not want to sacrifice the next generation, is also being neglected. (Sri Rahayu et al, 2021) This study only analyses and calculates the impact of forest fires on production and does not discuss other impacts related to
social aspects or other losses as examined in studies by other researchers, due to the lack of research funding. However, this study sufficiently illustrates the production losses of IPF in
Mesuji Subdistrict, prompting the local government to implement more effective forest fire. The benefits of this research are:
· Economic and Social Understanding
This study provides a clear overview of the economic value of Industrial Plantation Forests (IPF) in Mesuji Subdistrict, which serves as the main source of income for the region. By understanding this economic value, local communities and the government can better comprehend the extent of IPF's contribution to the regional economy.
· Planning and Policy Making
The data obtained from this research can be utilized by the government and relevant institutions to plan more effective forest fire prevention and mitigation measures. This is crucial given that forest fires have caused significant economic losses annually.
· Environmental Conservation
By understanding the economic losses caused by forest fires, the government and communities will be more encouraged to undertake conservation and rehabilitation efforts for peatlands. This can also help in reducing the frequency and impact of forest fires in the future.
· Community Awareness
This study also serves as an educational tool for the local community about the importance of preserving forests and peatlands. This awareness can foster active community participation in forest fire prevention efforts.
· Support for Rehabilitation Programs
The results of this study can be used to support ongoing government rehabilitation programs. With accurate data on the economic losses caused by forest fires, rehabilitation programs can be adjusted to be more effective and targeted.
Overall, this research not only provides crucial information on the economic value of industrial plantation forests in Mesuji Subdistrict but also lays a strong foundation for sustainable protection, management, and restoration efforts of peatlands.
Future research should be conducted in collaboration with other government agencies to secure adequate funding. This would allow the research to include an analysis of the impacts of forest fires from various aspects, including social, economic, and environmental. The use of more in-depth research methods, such as longitudinal studies or spatial analysis, is highly recommended.