Journal of Economics Research and Policy Studies
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Economics Research and Policy Studies

Tracing the economic valuation of Mount Merbabu National Park: Benefit transfer method

Luthfi Alif Dinar Choirunnisa (Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Siliwangi)
Arkanudin Rizki Permono (Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Siliwangi)
Dio Caisar Darma (Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Siliwangi)
Dodi Tirtana (Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Siliwangi)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Jul 2026

Abstract

Natural resource management problems occur because the value of environmental services is often ignored compared to economic commodities, thus increasing pressure and degradation on the National Park forest area. This study analyzes the economic valuation of Mount Merbabu National Park to determine its estimated Total Economic Value (TEV), comprising direct use value (timber, non-timber products, water consumption), indirect use value (soil and water conservation, carbon sequestration, flood prevention, water transportation, and biodiversity), and non use value (option and existence value) as a quantitative basis for sustainability planning. The novelty of this study lies in the first application of the benefit transfer method to Mount Merbabu National Park, transferring reference values from the Food and Agriculture Organization (2009) report on Indonesian Conservation Forests by adjusting for an average inflation rate of 5.28% over the 23 years (2002–2025) and scaling to the park’s specific area of 5,820.49 ha. The findings estimate the 2025 economic value of the park at 82,894.81 US$/ha. Notably, Use Value dominates this figure at 77,382.23 US$ / ha, driven primarily by water consumption (32,795.54 US$/ha) and flood prevention (16,383.93 US$/ha), highlighting the vital role of direct and indirect ecological functions for the surrounding community.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jerps

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Journal of Economics Research and Policy Studies [2797-8141] is a scientific journal that contains the results of theoretical research and studies on economics issues. The focus of this journal article is Economics, Economic Entrepreneurship, and start-up, development economics, monetary and fiscal ...