FOREST ECOLOGY ON JAVA: CONVERSION AND USAGE IN A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The global scope of the discussion about conversion of tropical rain forest is new, but in some regions deforestation is an old problem. Environmental impacts of deforestation on Java have been noted 150 years ago and measures to mitigate these impacts have been debated for at least 100 years. The Javanese forests have diminished gradually by conversion until last century, when this process accelerated in line with population increase and in response to economic interests. Although many groups and individuals at the time called for a halt to forest conversion and proposed measures to retain and restore forest cover, colonial forest policy was slow in recognising other forest values besides timber production. It lasted until 1927 that forest policy actively pursued protection of hydrological resources by forest management and reforestation. Forest management for the protection of nature conservation values was not effective until 1967. Natural forests now cover only 7.6% of Java. Large areas of forest are degraded by past and ongoing use to fulfill local needs for forest products. Forest policy presently aims at finding a balance between on the one hand production, conservation and hydrological protection functions of the forest, and on the other hand the needs of the local population.