Characteristics of swiftlet houses on the plains and hills and their contribution to regional development for export development. Case study: Banten Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Swiftlet bird nests (SBN) have a high selling value for export because they are beneficial for health treatment and are a food ingredient. The sustainability of SBN exports is influenced by the quality of SBN production in swiftlet houses. Banten Province is a producer and supplier of SBN for export and local markets because the SBN produced here is good quality. This study aims to analyze 1) the characteristics of swiftlet houses on plains and hills and 2) the contribution of swiftlet houses to regional development. This study uses a qualitative method with a comparative case study approach. The results showed that 1) There were differences in the characteristics of swiftlet houses located on the plains and hills, namely the geographic location, agro climate, swiftlet house design, food vegetation, and SBN quality; 2) Swiftlet houses contribute to regional development as an opportunity for business and employment in managing swiftlet houses and SBN, as well as SBN quarantine monitoring for export. SBN production is higher in swiftlet houses with suitable habitat and environmental conditions. To increase the sustainability of SBN production, the government and business actors collaborate to preserve the environment and maintain the sustainability of swiftlet houses.