Abstract
Abstract
The rattan existence in the natural habitat is decreasing due to forest and land degradation. On the other hand, an irresponsible extraction of rattan makes its natural condition worsen. At the same time, rattan has an important role in the community subsistence and economically is presumed as a multi-purpose species. The study aimed to examine the role of rattan for food alternatives and how it contributes to the daily life and culture of the community near the peatland areas in Central Kalimantan. The primary and secondary data are collected purposively through field observation and interviews with the local communities in the near peatland areas in two study sites: Mantangai and Katingan in Central Kalimantan. Calamus caesius, C. ornatus, C. trachycoleus, C. javensis, Daemonorops crinita D. fissa, D. angustifolia, and Plectocomiopsis geminiflora are the rattan potentially used as food alternatives. C. ornatus, D. angustifolia, and D. fissa are the preferable rattan used for food by the community near the peatland areas in Central Kalimantan, both for daily and cultural activities.