Pati, June 21–25, 2026 — Students from the Abiotic (Physical Environment) specialization of the Master of Environmental Science Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted their 2026 Field Course (Kuliah Kerja Lapangan/KKL) in Pati Regency, Central Java. Supervised by Dr. Sudaryatno, M.Si., the field study focused on flood hazard assessment and risk mapping within the Juwana Watershed (DAS Juwana), an area that has experienced recurrent flooding for decades despite ongoing mitigation efforts. Located along the northern coast of Java, Pati Regency consists predominantly of lowland terrain, making it highly susceptible to flooding. The Juwana Watershed experiences seasonal inundation due to a combination of factors, including intense rainfall, limited river capacity, land-use changes, and challenges in water infrastructure management. These floods have caused substantial socioeconomic impacts, affecting agriculture and fisheries, disrupting public facilities, and inundating residential areas for weeks or even months.
The study employed a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based thematic map overlay approach by integrating multiple spatial datasets, including slope, elevation, soil type, land cover, and topographic contour maps. The resulting 2026 Pati Flood Risk Map identifies areas with low, moderate, and high flood vulnerability. Complementing the spatial analysis, the research team conducted field observations and interviews with local residents and village officials across four subdistricts to validate spatial data and gain insights into actual flood conditions.
Field observations were carried out at 20 observation points distributed across Pati, Wedarijaksa, Jakenan, and Juwana Subdistricts. The findings revealed that each area faces distinct but interconnected flooding challenges.
In Wedarijaksa Subdistrict (Ngurensiti, Bangsalrejo, and Tawangharjo Villages), flooding is primarily caused not by river overflow but by the failure of the regional drainage system. This problem is exacerbated by extremely gentle slopes of only 1–2 degrees, preventing water from draining efficiently. As a result, floodwaters can reach waist level and remain for approximately one month.
Meanwhile, in Pati Subdistrict (Mustokoharjo, Gajahmati, and Purworejo Villages), the most severe flooding occurred in 2014, when water levels reached approximately two meters and required three to four months to fully recede. The flooding was triggered by a combination of high rainfall, water releases from the Gembong Reservoir, and reduced capacity of the Juwana River due to moored fishing vessels and extensive water hyacinth infestation.
Infrastructure deficiencies emerged as the dominant issue in the remaining two subdistricts. In Jakenan Subdistrict (Tondomulyo, Karangworo, and Ngastorejo Villages), the study found that the area has the lowest elevation among the four subdistricts, at only 4.54 meters above sea level. Although a 160-centimeter flood embankment has been constructed, floodwaters continue to reach nearby settlements because residential houses are located only about eight meters from the levee. The situation is further aggravated by damaged water pumps that are currently non-operational.
In Juwana Subdistrict (Margomulyo, Mintomulyo, Gadingrejo, and Doropayung Villages), researchers recorded the highest flood mark of 2.15 meters in Doropayung Village, despite the area having relatively higher elevation than Jakenan. River conditions also indicate environmental degradation, characterized by dense water hyacinth growth, turbid water, and unpleasant odors. In addition, sediment dredging relies almost entirely on village funding, which is frequently delayed by more than a year. Across all four subdistricts, the research identified common challenges, including inadequate drainage management, poorly maintained infrastructure, and persistent economic losses affecting both agricultural and fisheries sectors.
Based on these findings, the KKL team proposed several recommendations to strengthen long-term flood mitigation efforts within the Juwana Watershed. These include conducting routine river normalization programs independent of village funding cycles, establishing integrated flood early warning systems at the subdistrict level, prioritizing the removal of water hyacinth and riverbank waste, improving drainage capacity through infiltration wells and optimization of existing irrigation channels, and incorporating flood-risk considerations—particularly topography and settlement proximity to rivers—into regional spatial planning policies.
This field course supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting disaster-resilient settlements, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through efforts to enhance climate resilience and flood adaptation, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by encouraging sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems. The research findings are expected to provide valuable scientific references for local governments in developing more effective, evidence-based flood mitigation strategies supported by spatial analysis.
Author: Selamita