Development Of A GIS-based Information System For Forest Resource Management In Parung Panjang Forest Farm, Indonesia

In actual practice, forest data and statistical information from the forest map of Parung Panjang Forest Farm in Indonesia have not been integrated into one system. At present a forest worker may only use parts of the GIS software functions to help manage these forest resources. Part of the problem is that commercial GIS-based forestry software has a relatively high price. Another problem is that the software and tools in the system often do not comply with implementation information needed or conditions for Parung Panjang forest resources. In addition, the development of GIS technology in Parung Panjang forest resources information management system is still blank. Therefore, it is urgent to develop software that can integrate attribute data and graphical data into one system and that is convenient for the forest resources information managers, who manage the data, so as to improve their effectiveness and level of management.Parung Panjang Forest Farm is the study site in this research. This research uses second-hand survey data with a basic forestry map as data sources and establishes forestry thematic GIS as the core. The applied GIS system integrates technological research and develops basic functional modules based on real requirements of the forest farm and basic forestry units. The Visual Basic 6.0 platform and MapObjects GIS embedded ActiveX controls, including the Component Object Module (COM), Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI Corporation) research, and development of geographic information systems, are used. It is the first time that attributes data and graphic data have been combined into one system. This system can also analyze data belonging to different time periods. This application has the capability of managing and analyzing functions including data entry, graphics and attribute data processing inquiries, output of statistical analyses, and data management functions, such as layer manipulating, map zooming, map attribute managing, data querying, data editing, and displaying of statistical maps.The development of a GIS-based Parung Panjang forestry resources information system in Indonesia is a result of demands from new conditions for Indonesia's forest resources management. This system plays a pioneering role for filling in a blank spot in the Indonesian forest resources information management system. At present, the system has been used in Parung Panjang Forest Farm in West Java, Indonesia helping managers effectively raise their management level. It is also advancing and scientifically-assisting decision-makers in their work. This system will be used to support smooth operations of the sustainable forest plan for the State Owned Forest Enterprise (Perum Perhutani) UNIT III in West Java and Banten ensuring that the Forest Conservation Management Plan (RPKH) is conducted efficiently. It will also promote the construction of"digital forestry"in the Parung Panjang Forest Farm.