The Biotic Studies Team from the Master of Environmental Science Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a Field Work Course (Kuliah Kerja Lapangan/KKL) in the Mojo Mangrove Essential Ecosystem (KEE), Pemalang Regency. The team analyzed mangrove community structure, measured carbon stocks, and assessed environmental parameters affecting the mangrove ecosystem in an area designated as a role model for collaborative mangrove management in Indonesia.

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Previous studies by Renta et al. (2016) indicated that Avicennia marina dominates the tree level with an Importance Value Index (IVI) of 153.24, while Rhizophora mucronata dominates the sapling level with an IVI of 171.40. The area demonstrates significant carbon sequestration potential, with estimated biomass carbon stocks of 21.55–144.22 tons C/ha and sediment carbon stocks of 98.45–181.06 tons C/ha, averaging a total carbon stock of 155.13 tons C/ha. These findings position the Mojo mangrove forest as one of the most effective natural solutions for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. read more

The Master of Environmental Science Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a Field Study (Kuliah Kerja Lapang, KKL) on Coastal Resilience in Pemalang Regency from 14–17 July 2025. The study analyzed beach cleanliness using the Clean Coast Index (CCI) and Hazardous Item Index (HII) across three strategic locations: Widuri Beach in Pemalang District, Joko Tingkir Beach in Petarukan District, and the Mojo Mangrove Essential Ecosystem (KEE) in Ulujami District. This research responds to the critical issue of anthropogenic marine debris along Indonesia’s coasts, particularly in Pemalang Regency, which has significant tourism and maritime economic potential. read more

Students from the Master of Environmental Science program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have completed a comprehensive field study to analyze the phenomenon of seawater intrusion and its impact on groundwater quality in the coastal areas of Pemalang Regency. The Field Work Course (KKL) was conducted from 14–17 July 2025 across four strategic sub-districts—Pemalang, Taman, Petarukan, and Ulujami—representing the diverse characteristics of the coastal region.

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Seawater intrusion is a hidden threat that jeopardizes the sustainability of water resources in Indonesia’s coastal zones. Groundwater in these areas plays a critical role in meeting community needs, yet the intrusion of seawater can significantly reduce water quality, posing risks to public health and local water security. This issue is exacerbated by anthropogenic activities, including excessive groundwater extraction, land-use changes, and coastal development pressures. “This study serves as an initial step to understand the underground crisis of freshwater slowly being contaminated by seawater,” said the Research Team Coordinator, emphasizing the urgency of a rigorous scientific investigation into coastal hydrogeological dynamics. read more

Students from the Master of Environmental Science program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a field study on coastal resilience in Pemalang Regency from 14–17 July 2025. Portions of Pemalang along the northern coast of Java have experienced rapid development but face significant threats from climate change. Unlike other northern coastal areas such as Semarang, Demak, or Jakarta, which have received public attention, Pemalang has not yet become a priority area for mitigation efforts, despite the significant impacts of coastal hazards already felt by local communities. read more

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. read more

The Master’s Program in Environmental Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a comprehensive Field Study (Kuliah Kerja Lapangan/KKL) with the theme “Coastal Resilience” in Pemalang Regency, Central Java, on 14–18 July 2025. This activity employed a multidisciplinary approach to analyze various aspects of coastal environmental issues, encompassing social, physical, and biotic dimensions across four key sub-districts: Pemalang, Taman, Petarukan, and Ulujami.

The comprehensive findings from five research clusters reveal the interconnected complexity of coastal challenges in Pemalang Regency. The Social Cluster found that Ulujami Sub-district demonstrated the highest perception level across all coastal issues, including infrastructure, housing, and agricultural land damage caused by tidal flooding, degradation of water and soil quality, and the loss of livelihoods due to environmental pressures in coastal zones. [Read more] read more

June 8, 2025 — Graduate students of Environmental Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a field practicum for the course Environmental Policy and Regional Development. Supervised by Dr. Langgeng Wahyu Santosa, S.Si., M.Si., and Prof. Dr. Lutfi Muta’ali, S.Si., M.T., the activity took place across several sites, including the Opak Raya–Kalasan–Piyungan corridor, the ancient volcano of Nglanggeran, and the Ngingrong Karst area.

During the practicum, students carried out environmental analyses through observations of ecoregions, morphology and relief, geomorphological structures, landform formation processes, lithology, as well as the interrelations between natural conditions and human activities. The activity was designed to provide students with a contextual and comprehensive understanding of how landscape characteristics can serve as a foundation for formulating appropriate and sustainable environmental policies. read more

The Graduate Program in Environmental Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized an environmental action initiative titled “Funtastic Without Plastic: Save Nature for the Future” as part of the World Environment Day 2025 commemoration, which carries the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution.” The event, held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Pelangi Beach, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, embodied the commitment of the academic community to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those related to marine ecosystem protection and reducing the impacts of plastic pollution. read more

The Graduate Program in Environmental Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a seminar titled “Funtastic Without Plastic: Save Nature for the Future” on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Parangtritis Geomaritime Science Park, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. Held to commemorate World Environment Day 2025, which carries the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution”, the seminar brought together two distinguished speakers whose expertise complemented one another in addressing environmental challenges. read more

Students of the Environmental Science Master’s Program, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), once again made remarkable achievements beyond the academic sphere. Two postgraduate students, Dina Aprilia and Wahyu Febriani, successfully earned prestigious awards in events highlighting strategic issues in public health and cultural preservation.

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Dina Aprilia, a student from Tangerang, achieved the Top 4 Favorite Position of Duta Kesehatan (Health Ambassador) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Her motivation to join the competition stemmed from her personal experiences and academic background in environmental studies, which are closely related to health issues. read more