REMBANG, June 26, 2026 – The existence of coastal areas along the Northern Coast of Java is currently facing multiple and dynamic pressures, ranging from geomorphological degradation and hydrometeorological hazards to disparities in settlement spatial planning. In response to these complex challenges, the Master of Environmental Science Program of the Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), once again deployed its students through the annual thematic Field Study Program (Kuliah Kerja Lapangan – KKL), conducted from June 22 to 25, 2026. Focusing on Rembang and Pati Regencies, this year’s field program integrated a multidisciplinary approach that combined biotic, physical, and social perspectives to identify adaptation potentials and formulate sustainable regional resilience strategies.
The 2026 Thematic KKL field research was systematically designed to provide tangible scientific contributions toward achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through collaboration across specialization areas, the program supported SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through the assessment of freshwater quality and household drainage conditions; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through socioeconomic profiling to identify disparities in intertidal settlement facilities; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through disaster risk modeling for safer spatial planning; SDG 13 (Climate Action) through the estimation of coastal blue carbon sequestration; and SDGs 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land) through biodiversity inventories of greenbelt vegetation and avifauna as biological indicators of coastal environmental stability.
Under the supervision of environmental experts Dr. Emilya Nurjani, S.Si., M.Si., Dr. Priyaji Agung Pambudi, S.Pd., M.Si., Dr. Tjahyo Nugroho Adji, S.Si., M.Sc.Tech., and Dr. Sudaryatno, M.Si., graduate students conducted research according to their respective fields of specialization. The first specialization, the Biotic Stream, focused on two vital ecosystems within the Pasar Banggi Mangrove Area in Rembang Regency. The first team investigated the carbon potential of mangrove ecosystems and calculated a total aboveground carbon stock of 460.94 Mg C/ha, with the highest concentration found in the backward zone dominated by mature Rhizophora stylosa. The second team analyzed mangrove vegetation community structure to assess coastal vulnerability, revealing encouraging ecological conditions characterized by successful natural regeneration through the abundance of Avicennia marina seedlings and Rhizophora apiculata saplings. Meanwhile, the third team evaluated avifaunal ecological health indices to measure habitat mosaic resilience and identified at least 28 bird species, resulting in Ecological Quality Index (EQI) values classified as “Good” to “Very Good” across four observation stations.
The second specialization, the Physical Stream, examined two major hydrogeomorphological threats affecting the Rembang and Pati coastal regions. The hydrology team conducted an in-depth investigation of seawater intrusion into shallow aquifers in Rembang District. Through the mapping of 40 community well grids, the team detected exceptionally high salinity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Electrical Conductivity (EC) anomalies in dug wells located in Tasikagung, Pasar Banggi, and Kebonagung Kidul. Simultaneously, the geomorphology team carried out a spatial-overlay-based flood risk assessment within the Juwana Watershed in Pati Regency. By integrating physical parameters such as slope, elevation, and land-use maps, the team found that low-lying areas in Jakenan, Wedarijaksa, Pati, and Juwana Districts exhibited the highest levels of flood vulnerability due to inadequate regional drainage systems and river sedimentation.
The third specialization, the Social Stream, analyzed the association between residential environmental quality and socioeconomic conditions in Rembang and Lasem Districts. Through a terrestrial field survey that successfully achieved a 100 percent response rate from 439 respondents across 22 settlement sample blocks, the team found that housing quality in both areas was predominantly classified as moderate. Although generally considered adequate, spatial planning interventions remain urgently needed in several settlement blocks due to poor domestic waste management indicators and the absence of Green Open Spaces (GOS).
The KKL field activities presented a diverse array of challenges and valuable empirical experiences for the graduate researchers. Physical obstacles such as dense mangrove mud substrates, extreme tidal fluctuations, and blocked waterways caused by water hyacinth invasion were successfully mitigated through adjustments to survey schedules, including conducting fieldwork earlier in the day. Social dynamics also emerged during the hydrology survey, as local residents initially suspected the research team of being outsiders while well measurements were being conducted. However, through persuasive sociocultural engagement, the team successfully gained community trust and cooperation. Following the completion of the fieldwork, subsequent activities will focus on laboratory analyses of soil and water hydrochemical samples, which will then be integrated using Geographic Information System (GIS) modeling. The final outputs—including a comprehensive KKL report, multiparameter digital maps, and strategic policy recommendations—will be submitted to local policymakers to support the long-term sustainability and resilience of coastal areas in Rembang and Pati Regencies.
Author: Shinta