Short Communication Reforestation using Japanese Persimmon in East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

In Indonesia, several districts such as Garut, Kuningan, Karo, Toba and Solok District are known as the production areas of persimmon fruits, but persimmon growing was rarely documented. In this report, feature of persimmon growing and an attempt to reintroduce persimmon trees in relation with reforestation program in highland in Batu Malang, East Java, Indonesia is presented. Visitations were carried out in December 2004 and March 2005. Interviews with farmers, researchers and government officer about history, economic value and agricultural activities related to persimmon growing were carried out. Field investigation was conducted in Kota Batu Administrative (ex- Malang District), East Java, Indonesia (112o 35' to 122o 57' E and 7o 44' to 8o 26' S) is located in fertile land at highland surrounded by mountains in western and eastern side. Pine trees and persimmon trees are at planting distance of 8 m x 3 m. A persimmon seedling are planted between pine trees at rate of three pine trees to one persimmon tree. According to government officer 15 to 100 persimmon seedlings per hectare are needed. In order to sustain income of illegal cultivator (farmers), the farmers and local government made a contract in which the farmers were allowed to cultivate vegetables until tree canopy closed. The canopy was estimated would close at 5 to 8 years after planting. Then, after canopy closed the farmers commenced to harvest fruits include persimmon for sustaining their income until they find the permanent job.