The Master’s Program in Environmental Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a Field Study (Kuliah Kerja Lapang / KKL) with the theme “Coastal Resilience” in Pemalang Regency, Central Java. From a social perspective, this study focuses on analyzing the perceptions of coastal communities regarding environmental issues and their impacts on the socio-economic conditions of residents across 16 villages in four sub-districts: Pemalang, Taman, Petarukan, and Ulujami.
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This research employed a quantitative descriptive method with data collected through a Likert scale to measure community perceptions. Preliminary findings indicate an increase in the frequency of tidal flooding (rob) and high waves in Pemalang’s coastal areas in recent years. Supporting data from the Pemalang Marine and Fisheries Office show that approximately 55% of the coastal population works in the fisheries sector, while data from Pemalang Regency Statistics (BPS, 2023) record that around 18% of the total population lives below the poverty line, with most residing in coastal areas. Field observations revealed that among the four sub-districts, Ulujami exhibited the highest perception levels across all coastal issues, including infrastructure and housing damage due to tidal flooding, declining water and soil quality, and the loss of livelihoods caused by environmental degradation.
“This research provides a deeper understanding of environmental conditions and community life, enabling us to ensure that the social and economic conditions of the people can continue to improve even as nature changes beyond our control,” said Annisa Nabila Ramdini, coordinator of the Social Studies Division.
The results of this study are expected to offer policy recommendations for better social-environmental management of coastal areas and serve as a reference for the Pemalang Regency Government in formulating more effective environmental policies. In the long term, the research aims to increase community awareness of the importance of sustainable environmental management and to strengthen the social and economic resilience of Pemalang’s coastal communities.
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This Field Study activity directly supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) through the analysis of climate change impacts on coastal communities, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the study of sustainable coastal environmental management. The research also contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration with the Pemalang Regency Government, which provided full support in the form of data access and research facilities to ensure the smooth implementation of field activities.
Author: Social Studies Team