Indonesian tech institute develops smart backpack to boost rattan seedling survival

A team of lecturers from the Indonesian Institute of Technology (ITB) has designed an innovative backpack aimed at improving rattan cultivation. Dubbed the ITB Smart-Nursery Backpack, this specialized gear is intended to assist rattan farmers in Desa Nupabomba, Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi, by enabling them to transport and nurture rattan seedlings in difficult forest environments.

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So that in the heavy forest terrain, they can carry rattan seedlings to be raised in this device to increase their survival rate.

"So that in the heavy forest terrain, they can carry rattan seedlings to be raised in this device to increase their survival rate," explained team leader Acep Purqon. Indonesia is a major global producer of rattan, with the majority of its raw material originating from Central Sulawesi. However, the natural regeneration of rattan faces significant challenges, particularly during the germination and early growth stages.

Many seeds fail to sprout, and young seedlings are vulnerable to pests and environmental pressures. This fragility results in a natural habitat survival rate for rattan seedlings that generally does not exceed 5 percent, jeopardizing the sustainability of rattan as both an ecological and economic resource.

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Many seeds fail to germinate, while young seedlings that grow without protection are vulnerable to pest attacks and environmental pressures.

To combat this, Purqon, along with colleagues Deny Willy Junaidy and Ramadhani Eka Putra, and several ITB students, developed the backpack. It serves a dual purpose: transporting seedlings from the forest and acting as a nursery for them to grow for up to three months at the farmers' homes before being returned to the forest. The team has already produced three prototype units, valued at approximately 7 million Indonesian Rupiah, which have been donated to and are being used by local farmers. Based on farmer feedback, further developments are planned, including adding trays to increase seedling capacity and ensuring the design is more gender-inclusive and accessible.

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The ITB Smart-Nursery Backpack can accommodate 50 to 100 rattan seedlings.