Understanding the Origin, Types, and Benefits of Rattan – Rattan is a plant that thrives in tropical rainforest areas, including in Indonesia. Approximately 90% of Indonesia’s rattan is naturally grown in the country’s forests, while the remaining 10% comes from cultivated rattan by local communities. As an abundant natural resource in Indonesia, rattan is widely utilized by communities for their daily needs. To delve further into rattan, this article will discuss its origin, types, and the benefits it brings to everyday life!
The Origin of Rattan
Rattan is a type of palm belonging to the Calameae tribe that grows in a climbing or creeping manner. The Calameae tribe consists of around 600 members, widely distributed in tropical regions of Africa, Australia, and Asia, with the majority found in Southeast Asia. The term ‘rotan’ itself originates from the Malay language, derived from the root word ‘raut,’ meaning to peel. In Greek, rattan is referred to as Lepidocaryodidae, signifying a group of climbing plants.
In Indonesia, rattan is abundant and widely distributed in various forests, especially in Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Sumatra, and Java. The cultivation of rattan in Indonesia began in 1850 in Kalimantan, using Sega and Irit rattan varieties (Heyne, 1950, cited in Alrasjid, 1980). In 1979, Manau rattan was cultivated in Java, while Irit and Sega rattan varieties were planted in South and Central Kalimantan on an area of 1,000 hectares (Dransfield, 1977, and Menon, 1979, cited in Alrasjid, 1980). Presently, there are approximately 306 rattan species in Indonesia, distributed across all islands. Out of these, 128 species have been utilized.
Types of Rattan
In Indonesia, there are numerous types of rattan that grow across all islands. Among the various species, several stand out for their superior quality and are frequently utilized as raw materials for crafting, including:
1. Rotan Batang (Calamus Zollingeri Beccari)
This rattan type has a large diameter, approximately 28 cm, with internode lengths ranging from 15-30 cm. At the base, there is a bulbous protrusion extending about 2 meters upwards, then curving back towards the ground. Rotan Batang thrives in clustered clumps and spreads in hilly areas at elevations of 300-1000 meters above sea level. It is commonly found in Sulawesi and Maluku.
2. Rotan Tohiti (Calamus inops Beccari)
Also known as Sambutan, this rattan type grows at elevations ranging from 300-1200 meters above sea level. The Tohiti rattan stem has a dark green color, with lengths varying from 15-120 meters. The stem diameter at the base ranges from 0.8-2 cm, tapering to 2-4 cm at the tip, and internode lengths between 20-35 cm. Rotan Tohiti is prevalent and distributed in Sulawesi and Maluku.
3. Rotan Manau (Calamus Manan Miquel)
This rattan species is distributed in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Rotan Manau is classified into three classes based on diameter: 18-20 mm, 28-30 mm, and 30-32 mm. The internode length of Rotan Manau reaches up to 35 cm. It thrives at elevations between 50-1000 meters, predominantly growing at elevations between 600-1000 meters.
4. Rotan Jernang (Daemonorops draco Blume)
Found in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Rotan Jernang has small stems with a leaf sheath diameter of 2.5 cm, and without sheath, the diameter is about 1.25 cm. The stem has a greenish-brown color, with internode lengths ranging from 15-30 cm. Rotan Jernang grows in clusters in lowland areas up to 300 meters above sea level.
5. Rotan Umbul (Calamus symphysipus Martius)
This type of rattan spreads across lowland areas (riverbanks) to highlands and hills. The stem of Rotan Umbul is brightly yellowish-green. It has internode lengths between 25-40 cm, and the stem diameter at the tip is 2-4 cm. The stem length is approximately 15-60 meters, wrapped in leaf sheaths with downward-facing spines in a spiral fashion. Rotan Umbul is commonly found on the island of Sulawesi.
Benefits of Rattan
Indonesia is renowned as the world’s largest producer of rattan. Its abundance has made rattan a crucial source of daily livelihood for the Indonesian people, serving various purposes such as food, traditional medicine, natural dye, and as a raw material for household items. The multitude of benefits associated with rattan has popularized its use and elevated its economic value, becoming a significant source of income for many communities in Indonesia. This has led to the establishment and growth of the rattan processing industry in the country, dating back to 1968.
Since then, rattan has been extensively utilized in the production of various products, including furniture and various handcrafted items. The rattan processing industry in Indonesia has not only met the domestic market demand but has also exported its products to international markets. The progress of the rattan processing industry in Indonesia highlights the significant potential the country possesses in harnessing the natural resource of rattan.
As a natural material, rattan holds high economic and ecological value. Its abundant availability not only benefits the furniture and handicraft industries but also has the potential to support environmental conservation and local economies. Therefore, it is essential to continually understand, appreciate, and sustainably manage the use of rattan in various aspects of our lives. If you are interested in exploring high-quality rattan products, visit www.flamingorotan.com as a trusted provider of rattan products.
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