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

A joint team of doctoral students from the Environmental Science, Geography, and Population Studies programs at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a comprehensive field study on Komodo Island as part of the Lesser Sunda Expedition, held from 1–7 July 2025. The expedition aimed to explore the conservation status, behavioral ecology, and sustainable tourism potential of the world’s largest lizard species — the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).

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During their visit to Komodo Island, the students had the rare opportunity to encounter Thomas, a 20-year-old male Komodo dragon, guided by conservation rangers from Komodo National Park led by Mr. Fajar. Coincidentally, the visit took place during the Komodo mating season, which occurs between June and August. Komodo dragons are solitary reptiles, preferring to remain within their territorial range and interacting with others only during mating season or while hunting large prey. read more

As part of the Lesser Sunda Expedition, the Doctoral Program in Environmental Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continued its research journey to several islands in the Lesser Sunda Archipelago from 4–6 July 2025. The expedition aimed to identify and map the ecological potential of marine and terrestrial ecosystems on small tropical islands. This research adopted an integrated approach, combining analyses of abiotic and biotic resources with insights into local cultural elements. The fieldwork was conducted aboard a research vessel, supported by local enumerators Akbar and Amir, who possess deep knowledge of the region’s socio-ecological dynamics. read more

East Nusa Tenggara, July 2025 – Twenty-five doctoral students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), representing the Doctoral Programs in Environmental Science, Geography, and Population Studies, conducted the Sunda Kecil Expedition from July 1–7, 2025. This initiative served as a transdisciplinary learning platform connecting science, culture, and sustainability policy. Four strategic locations were chosen as the focus of the expedition, each illustrating the complex relationship between humans and the environment in the eastern Indonesian archipelago. read more

The Doctoral Program in Environmental Science, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the Faculty of Geography UGM and the Department of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering UGM, jointly organized an international workshop entitled “UGM–GUT Joint Lecture: Plate Convergence and Its Resource–Environmental Effects.” The event was held on June 23, 2025, at the Siti Nurbaya Center, Faculty of Geography UGM. Beyond serving as a platform for knowledge exchange in earth sciences, the workshop also contributed directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). 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

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