Proceeding ICGRC 2013
The Potency of Iles-iles for Conserving Forest, and Increasing Revenue
and Tourism in Ancient Volcano, Nglanggeran Gunung Kidul
Sumarwoto and Mofit Eko Poerwanto
Agriculture Faculty UPN “Veteran” Yogyakarta (55283)
[email protected]
Abstract
Iles-iles is often referred as porang or yellow iles or Amorphophallus muelleri Blume. The plant is potential for
agro-forestry development and their tubers are used as a functional food, and raw materials of various types of
industries. The plant is expected to increase income and welfare of forest communities. The forest around ancient
volcano Nglanggeran Gunung Kidul has potency as a tourist attraction. The forest is situated at an altitude 400 M
asl, with an area of approximately 30 Ha. Tourism potential will increase with the presence of agro-forestry ilesiles. Increased potency is expected to provide added value to the local community in particular and the district
government of Gunungkidul in general. In addition, it is expected that the variety of benefits that have been
mentioned, will not decimate the forest as a source of oxygen that contributed as the lungs of the world. This
information is expected to be useful for researches and government of Gunung Kidul in increasing community’s
income, developing agro-forestry, conserving forest, and developing tourism.
Key words: ancient volcano, forest conservation, iles-iles, income, tourism
Introduction
Iles-iles or porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) is one of bulb-shaped herb plants that are
able to live under the stands of forest plants. These plants produce tubers for various industries materials
and functional foods. The shape and color of the flowers are very unique so it can be used as an attraction
for developing tourism in the forests around ancient volcano [1]. Forest is one of the nature tourism that
has an important role in the context of sustainable development. This activity offers the potency of natural
resources for the tour package to the local community. People are given the opportunity to be important
players, so they will obtain economic benefits and motivation to conserve the forest [2]. Nglanggeran
ancient volcanoes have been interesting nature tourism of Gunung Kidul District since 2006. Until now,
the number of visitors always increases [3].
Agro-forestry is a combination of agricultural and forestry systems in order to optimize the
utilization of space, so that the role and functions of forests and agriculture are achieved. The cultivation
pattern is combining perennials, agricultural crops and livestock. All components are located in one area,
and among its components have continuous complementary functions [4]. Agro-forestry is developed to
solve the problem of limited land and to create opportunities and potencies for improving human welfare
and the sustainability of natural resources. Budiadi & Umi [5], mentions that agro-forestry means planting
trees on farms with farmers or communities as the primary elements, so that agro-forestry is not only
focused on the problem and biophysical techniques, but also includes social, economic and cultural
changes from time to time.
Iles-iles, is one kind of plant that fits for the development of agroforestry. Forests area around
Nglanggeran ancient volcanoe that can be used for the development of iles-iles is about 30 ha and can be
expanded by including the land of local communities. Iles-iles can grow well in light intensity between
35-60 percent [6,7,8].
Currently, Iles-iles market shares is still prospective. The demand of its chips for export to China,
Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan and Italy in one year reach 10,000
tons, while Indonesia only meets about 4,000 tons [9]. In fact, according Pitojo [10], Japan each year require
3,000 tons, but it can only met 600 tons. Community forests in tourist area Nglanggeran, Patuk,
Gunungkidul is about 48 ha, while the forest in DIY is 59835.68 ha [11]. The area in Gunungkidul
particularly and DIY generally are potential as cultivation media of iles-iles. This paper is expected to be
a positive idea in optimizing the potency of iles-iles for conserving the land, increasing income and
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Brawijaya University, February 7-8th, 2013
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Proceeding ICGRC 2013
welfare. In particular it is expected to increase the biodiversity around the tourist area of Nglanggeran
Ancient Volcano for supporting the development of tourism in Gunungkidul particularly and DIY.
Some Agronomiest properties of Iles-iles
Iles-iles grow well in various types of plant stands of forest or agricultural crops which the light
intensity of about 50% that could disperse more evenly and provide well decomposed litter. Growth
media should be well drained, high organic material content. The soil texture should be sandy clay in pH
range of 6-7. If the soil pH is less than 6.0, agricultural lime should be added. Lime and organic fertilizers
are intended to improve the physical, chemical and biological characteristic of soil.
Iles-iles grows at the beginning of the rainy season, at a temperature between 25-35o C and
rainfall intensity 300-500 mm per month during the growing period. Materials may include seed planting,
bulb, stem tubers, pieces of stem tubers and cuttings leaf [12]. Dormant period ranges 4-5 months, so
dormancy breaking should be done if it will be planted out of the rainy season.
Seedlings’ planting on slopes is simply by making planting holes (Cemplongan) with adjusted
size of planting materials, in order to give flexibility to the development and growth of the tuber. If it is
grown on plane land, soil tillage needs to be done initially before making the planting hole. According
Sumarwoto [12], the spacing between holes depends on growing stage of the seed. If the size of the bulbil
or bulbs is big, the first period spacing is 37.5 cm x 37.5 cm, second period is 57.5 cm x 57.5 cm and third
period is 100 cm x 100 cm. Planting depths varies among 3-5 cm, 10-15 cm, and 20-25 cm. Spacing for
other varieties of Amorphophallus sp. depends on their harvest periods, among (45-90) cm x 120 cm, 90
cm x 90 cm, and 100 cm x 100 cm. Square form spacing is suggested, because the canopy is relatively
round and symmetrical. The altitude > 400 m above sea level, with monthly temperature is not too low,
low Ca content, CEC optimal soil and ground cover vegetation are maintained [13].
Manure or organic fertilizer is only given once at the beginning of each growing period. It is
ranged from 0.5 to 1 kg per planting hole in growing period I, 1-1.5 kg per planting hole in the growing
period II, and 1.5 to 2.5 kg per planting hole in a period of growing III coupled with artificial fertilizers
NPK (5-10 g per planting hole).
The intensity of sunlight, drainage, weeds and pests should be considered for optimum plant
growth. Pests that usually attack the leaves are green caterpillars with white stripes back (Sphingidae sp),
big head caterpillars (Papilio molytes), bags caterpillar (Mahasena corbetti), and grasshoppers (Locus sp)
whiose population are relatively low. Those kinds of pests are polyphagous insect that are attacking
various kind of plants and the damage intensity is not high [14].
Harvesting should be done to each plant whose vegetative growth period had been completed
(after the rainy season and entering the dry season). It is characterized by its brownish yellow blade and
petiole lay on the ground [12]. Glucomannan content is not influenced by the size of the bulb, but is
determined by age or growing period of plant [15].
Potency of Iles-iles on Forest Conservation
Forest is a renewable natural resource, useful for the welfare of the people all the time. Forests
provide oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide reservoir, habitat of flora and fauna, modulators of hydrological
cycles, soil conservationists, and contribute as the lungs of the earth. CO2 absorption by plant will
decrease and CO2 will rise forming a glassy coating as the forest is reduced. This layer will cause the heat
energy is reflected back to the earth's surface causing heat (global warming).
Preservation in the broad sense is an important application of ecology. According to Odum [16],
the main goal of preservation is to ensure the preservation of the aesthetic quality of the environment and
to ensure the continuation of crops, animals, useful materials by creating a balance between crop cycles
and renewal. Environment damage, especially forests, usually occurs as a result of environmental
capacity exceeded, i.e. the excess pressure of the forest communities to the land. To be sustainable, it
must do more basic countermeasures which means tackling the underlying causes of environmental
damage, by preventing them from shifting and find alternative commodity that can add the carrying
capacity of the community.
In order to provide the carrying capacity of the community and to increase the productivity of
land under the stands and to maintain the conservation of forests, the concepts and plan in selecting
4th International Conference on Global Resource Conservation & 10th Indonesian Society for Plant Taxonomy Congress
Brawijaya University, February 7-8th, 2013
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Proceeding ICGRC 2013
commodities to be developed are required. In some complex agro-forestry areas, the shade generally
approaches full shade, so that the land under cultivation or tree stands are not used for food crops (annuals
crops) that typically require high light intensity. Utilization of that land is by finding plants that can
survive under the stands. Iles-iles is an alternative commodity for conservation of these forests. Iles-iles is
a plant that can grow in any places, including in the forest with a variety of stands and in the yard with
different types of shade. The plant development in the forest will be able: (a) to prevent damage to trees
and plants in the forest, (b) to prevent the occurrence of fires in the forest, (c) to prevent erosion as shrub
in the forest, (d) to increase the economical and productive value; (e) to increase revenue or welfare of
local communities, and create new jobs.
Forest conservation is intended to preserve and maintain the quality of the environment and
create a balanced climate, to provide economic benefits to the forest and the surrounding area, to provide
broad impact on improving the quality of the ecosystem (biotic and abiotic) inside and outside the forest
area. In addition, if a stable ecosystem has been formed, it can provide a special attraction for the
community, so it can be a support to existing tourism.
Potency of Iles-iles on Increasing Communities Income
Iles-iles or porang is potential for improving the welfare of the community. The main product of
the plant is stem tubers with glucomanan contents. In addition, seed tubers on one growing period, bulbs
leaves (bulbil), seeds and leaves can be used as planting material [17]. These products are all economically
valuable and if they are well managed in terms of time management and form of the product, it will be
able to generate income for farmer families and improving their welfare.
The price of a viable tuber product for consumption if directly sold is IDR 3,000 /kg fresh weight
(in 2012). This kind of products can usually be obtained after having growing period at least three times,
so in addition to a relatively large size of the bulb is relatively higher content of glucomanan. Tubers for
seed are worth about IDR 10,000 /kg. The product is obtained in the form of a plant that grows only one
growing period or the tubers have already grown twice, even three times but the size of tuber is still
relatively small. Chips are worth around IDR 20,000/ kg. Chips are the product of the qualified tuber that
has sliced and dried by solar heat or oven. The price of glucomannan flour is about IDR 125,000 /kg, the
product is as a result of the advanced chip manufacturing process. This process has not been done by
farmers. Sumarwoto [15] stated, that the weight of iles-iles tubers which are harvested in the first growing
period are between 50-200 g, the second growing period are 250-1350 g, and the third growing period are
reached 450-3350 g. If the estimated average weight of tuber per planting hole at a spacing of (1x1) m is
1.5 kg, so it will be able to produce 15 tons of wet bulb (logs) in 1 ha.
Product other than stem tubers is leaf tubers (bulbil) with prices about IDR 25,000 /kg. It is a
tuber that grows in the central or branch of the veins of plants whose vegetative has been grown up. The
tubers are specifically used for the seed. In addition, other products are kernels produced from the fruit of
the plant that has a maximum growth; usually it can be obtained after having four growing periods. Price
of kernel for seed is about IDR 50,000 /kg. Price range of all products can be lower or higher depends on
the quality (primary data processed by the authors).
Based on the analysis of farm commodities and market share, there is a promising opportunity to
increase communities income. Farm analysis conducted by Suratiyah [18], based on data interviews with
farmers in Saradan and various assumptions, that Iles-iles farming with only a chip product results more
proper than bank interest rates prevailing at the time. The level of appropriateness R / C ratio, revenue per
cost of production is 6.36> 1, whereas π / C ratio, comparative advantage in production costs reached
5.35> 1 (bank interest). Further report by Yosi [19], by research on the Farm Financial Analysis Porang in
Collaborative Forest Management Areas in KPH Saradan on five strata acreage, the tuber that is sold in
the wet or dry form (Chip) indicates feasible during the period of first three years of their farm. This is
indicated by the presence of a positive NPV, BCR> 1 and IRR> discount rate used. Even more details
mentioned that porang farming in Saradan per kg can provide added value IDR 9,271 of the income of
dry porang (chip) farmers, IDR 1,304 of the income of wet porang (logs) farmers.
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Brawijaya University, February 7-8th, 2013
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Potency of Amorphophallus in Supporting Tourism of Ancient Volcano
Under Decree No. 06/KPTS/2009 of Nglanggeran village chief establishment of formation of
Tourism Management of Ancient Volcano Village Nglanggeran stated that it is entirely managed by the
youth (Karang Taruna Bukit Mandiri) in order to: (1) improve the welfare of the community, (2) protect
the nature of environment, culture, flora, faona, and also the uniqueness of the rock of Ancient Volcano
Nglanggeran, and (3) increase the length of tourists occupation in Gunungkidul and DIY. Tourism area of
Ancient Volcano Nglanggeran is about 48 ha, comprising of SG (Sultan Ground) about 20 ha, and the rest
is community forest [20].
The diversity of flora around the Ancient Volcano Nglanggeran is a mixture of agricultural crops,
plantation and forestry. Vegetation types include acacia tree (Acacia auriculiformis), jengkol
(Archidendrom pauciflorum), rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), teak (Tectona grandis), mahogany
(Swietenia macrophylla), sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria), Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus), ficus
(Ficus sp.), rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), jackfruit (Arthocarpus commune), petai (Parkia specionosa),
bamboo (Bamboosa sp.). Fruits and plantation crops are durian (Durio zibethinus), guava (Psidium
guajava), banana (Musa paradisiaca), coconut (Cocos nucivera), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), and spices
such as ginger (Zingiber officianus), temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), cardamom (Amomum
compactum), white turmeric (Curcuma domestica), whereas crops such as rice (Oryza sativa), and maize
(Zea mays). Other types of flora that can support biodiversity are rare plant such as Termas trees, several
varieties of sunflowers and local orchids. Amorphophallus does not exist, therefore the development of
iles-iles or Amorphophallus muelleri Blume in tourism areas will increase the biodiversity of flora and
will serve carrying capacity in the development of the tourism area of Ancient Volcano Nglanggeran.
In order to increase the attractiveness of the tourism area of Ancient Volcano Nglanggeran,
various types of sunflowers and durian orchard began to be developed in 2012 [20]. Development of
Amorphophallus sp including iles-iles will increase the green look around the tourism areas during the
rainy season, and very exotic color of various flowers will appear from the bulbs that have a maximum
period of growth during the dry season. It is as found in the KKPH Saradan East Java and Kendal Central
Java that is also used to prevent the looting of the forest. Appropriate growing conditions of iles-iles and
forest sustainability will support the harmonious condition between the forest and the environment. This
will encourage forest to become a tourism attraction and source of revenue to provide great opportunities
of diversity of animals, birds and plants that can be entertainment sites. Even in certain countries, flower
of Amorphophallus sp is used as a youth souvenir because of its attractive color. titanum type as a giant
flower producer has its own charm, in addition to rare and its tubers weight up to 100 kg [21], as well as its
attractive flowers (flower height can reach 2.67 m with its spatha diameter 1.50 m), unique shape and
beautiful color (yellow, brown, green) [22]. Even in Bogor, the flower is used as a mascot of the Bogor
Botanical Gardens, and almost every year during the rainy season A. titanum is flowering, so it is able to
attract both domestic and foreign tourist.
Conclusion
Limited to above description, the authors concluded that some agronomist aspects of Porang
(iles-iles) are very interesting to be studied further, so it can be used to optimize land under the stand, and
it can provide added value to communities. Plantings that are planned and completed by good concept can
prevent deforestation, so the forest can be sustainable and able to restore the function of the actual forest.
Economically, iles-iles farming is very worthy and able to improve the incomes and welfare of farmers.
In addition, planting set according to the aesthetic contours of the land and the tourism area of Ancient
Volcano Nglanggeran potentially increase the wealth of flora and support the development of tourism.
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Brawijaya University, February 7-8th, 2013
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Brawijaya University, February 7-8th, 2013
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