Yogyakarta, June 5, 2026 – Preparations for the 2026 Field Study Program of the Master of Environmental Science Program continue to progress steadily. A total of 12 student delegates returned to the field to conduct the second phase of the preliminary survey, which took place over two days, from May 21 to 22, 2026. This follow-up survey focused primarily on securing administrative permits, requesting research data, and ensuring the readiness of accommodation, transportation, and lodging arrangements for all KKL participants.
To maximize efficiency and ensure smooth operations across the two regencies, the student delegation was divided into three working groups: the Pati Permit Team, the Rembang Permit Team, and the Rembang Survey Team.
(Activity Documentation)
In Pati Regency, the Pati Permit Team concentrated on obtaining site permits and institutional data. The team conducted an official meeting with the Regional National Unity and Political Agency (Kesbangpol) of Pati Regency. In addition, direct coordination was carried out with district heads and local government officials in the four primary study areas: Pati, Wedarijaksa, Juwana, and Jakenan Districts.
(Activity Documentation)
Meanwhile, in Rembang Regency, the Rembang Permit Team successfully met with the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Rembang Regency to process the necessary permits for the KKL activities. At the same time, the team conducted a crucial logistical survey. The survey resulted in the identification of a strategically located accommodation facility near Rembang Town Square (Alun-Alun Rembang). The lodging facility was deemed suitable and capable of accommodating the entire KKL delegation of approximately 50 participants. Regarding transportation arrangements, the team is currently in the final stage of negotiations with several transportation service providers.
In addition to administrative and logistical responsibilities, the Rembang Survey Team also initiated preliminary academic observations covering several research clusters:
- Biotic Cluster: Conducted field observations at the planned research site within the Mangrove Ecosystem of Pasarbanggi.
- Physical Cluster (Seawater Intrusion): Collected and examined preliminary groundwater samples at several locations to identify baseline conditions of seawater intrusion along the Rembang coast.
- Social Cluster: Surveyed settlement conditions, environmental quality, and socio-economic dynamics within coastal communities in Rembang Regency.
(Activity Documentation)
Although the survey progressed successfully, the team encountered several technical challenges. The primary challenge involved field accessibility and mobility along the Northern Coastal Road (Pantura), which required heightened caution due to the high volume of heavy vehicles and freight trucks passing through urban areas.
Overall, the second survey served as a crucial foundation for ensuring the operational readiness of the 2026 KKL program. At the conclusion of the activity, a student representative expressed optimism regarding the preparations:
“Through this second survey, we hope that all technical aspects—from permits and accommodation arrangements to transportation readiness—can be well coordinated and proceed smoothly until the implementation of the KKL program.”
It is expected that the successful implementation of the 2026 Field Study Program of the Master of Environmental Science Program will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).
Author: Fatchul Ilmi