In an effort to promote environmental awareness and foster a healthy aquatic ecosystem, students of the Master of Environmental Science Program conducted a working visit and public discussion in Terban Village on Tuesday (May 26). The activity highlighted the issue of pollution in the Code River and explored long-term plans for river rehabilitation and environmental improvement in the area.
The visit was attended by officials from the Terban Village administration, the Environmental Engineering course lecturer, Muhammad Sulaiman, S.T., M.T., D.Eng., and students from the Master of Environmental Science Program. The event began with a discussion on the general environmental conditions of Terban Village, followed by a presentation on the environmental development plans proposed by the Yogyakarta City Government for the coming years. During the session, students were encouraged to provide suggestions and recommendations for implementing greener and more sustainable environmental engineering strategies.
The discussion revealed that domestic waste disposal, household wastewater, hazardous and toxic waste (B3), and insufficient monitoring are among the primary factors contributing to the declining water quality of the Code River in the Terban area. This pollution not only generates unpleasant odors and degrades environmental aesthetics but also increases the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall and creates potential public health concerns.
As a follow-up to the commitments established during the initial discussion, students of the Master of Environmental Science Program at UGM, accompanied by Muhammad Sulaiman, S.T., M.T., D.Eng., conducted a field visit to monitor the physical condition of the river and assess the effectiveness of environmental engineering infrastructure that has begun to be implemented in the area.
The activity aimed to identify practical solutions to support the rehabilitation of the Code River through restoration efforts and regular river-cleaning initiatives. Through in-depth discussions, rehabilitation planning, and direct field observations, students surveyed the riverbanks of the Code River, extending from the Terban Village Office to the Sardjito Bridge.
Based on observations conducted alongside environmental engineering experts, several technical and ecological engineering (eco-engineering) measures have already been implemented, while additional opportunities for environmental improvement remain available along the river corridor. Key findings include:
- Flood Prevention Efforts. Residents living near the Code River have routinely conducted sediment dredging and river clean-up activities for many years. These measures help restore the river’s natural carrying capacity and reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.
- Riverbank Infrastructure Conditions. Environmental engineering along the riverbanks is still largely dominated by concrete structures, which are considered less environmentally friendly. The area is vulnerable to flooding and faces limitations in clean water availability. Extensive concrete coverage may also reduce water infiltration along the riverbanks. Nevertheless, several positive aspects were identified, including adequate access roads that can serve as emergency evacuation routes when needed.
- Ecosystem Maintenance. Ecosystem conservation efforts have been implemented at several locations, particularly around the Code River School (Sekolah Sungai Code). Various plant species and nature-based environmental engineering initiatives have provided benefits for local residents. In addition, natural stone walls covered by vegetation continue to support the ecological functions of the riverbank environment.
- Riverbank Settlement Planning. Many buildings along the Code River have adopted the M3K concept (Munggah, Mundur, Madep Kali), a local approach to river-oriented settlement management. However, the spatial arrangement of buildings remains relatively dense and less organized. In contrast, several structures, such as apartment buildings, have adopted vertical housing concepts, demonstrating a more modern approach to land-use planning compared to the surrounding settlements.
Beyond its technical aspects, the field visit also served as a valuable experiential learning opportunity for students. Through direct observation, students gained practical insights into how environmental engineering is implemented by both local communities and municipal authorities. They were also tasked with developing recommendations for more environmentally friendly and sustainable engineering practices that can benefit both local communities and the Code River ecosystem as a whole, while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Author: Muhammad Aqil Ghufron Emeraldi