Students of the Master of Environmental Science program conducted a social analysis in the coastal areas of Jatikontal and Gedangan Villages, Purwodadi District, Purworejo Regency, as part of the Field Study Program held on 15–19 July 2024. The Environmental Science Program at UGM recognizes that communities play a crucial role in environmental stewardship. The serious impacts of insufficient public awareness regarding waste management extend beyond environmental degradation to issues of public health and disruptions to marine ecosystems. Therefore, students were assigned to evaluate community perceptions and participation in waste management. They distributed questionnaires containing questions on the characteristics, perceptions, and participation of respondents regarding waste management.
(Field Study Documentation)
This social analysis helps enhance students’ communication skills with local communities, enabling them to engage directly with societal issues upon graduation. The activities also produced important information on the social conditions of coastal communities related to waste. Based on the analysis, community knowledge and perceptions of waste management in both villages were relatively high. Residents understood that improperly managed waste can lead to environmental problems such as disease outbreaks, flooding, and foul odors. However, respondents also reported that the availability of waste management facilities and infrastructure in both villages remains low. Community-provided facilities include simple waste bins or repurposed buckets used as temporary storage. When full, the waste is typically buried in pits dug in household yards. Information on these infrastructure gaps can be communicated to local authorities to encourage future improvements in waste management facilities.
(Field Study Documentation)
Students expressed great enthusiasm during the activity. According to them, this program indirectly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 on Life Below Water and SDG 15 on Life on Land. The activity also contributes to future coastal development efforts. The coastal areas of Gedangan and Jatikontal Villages have potential in capture fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and even agriculture. Effective environmental management in these villages can support these potentials, improve community welfare, and promote overall regional development.
Author: Izza A