As is well known, being a student at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) is inextricably linked to field practicums for most majors, such as geophysics, geology, geography, and biology.

The benefits of field practicums are undoubtedly significant for the continuity of learning. By conducting field practicums, students can gain firsthand experience with the objects they are studying.

Researching and studying the flora and fauna of Indonesia requires a platform that can serve as a resource for learning and observation.

On May 10, 2018, students of the Geography Undergraduate Program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, chose Rambut Island, specifically the Thousand Islands, as the location for their field practicum. This activity was conducted to fulfill the requirements for a biogeography course.

Biogeography is a combined science of biology and geography that studies biodiversity through space and time. This, of course, is also related to the distribution of biodiversity.

Rambut Island is known as the Bird Kingdom Island due to the abundance of birds found on the island. In addition to birds, the island also boasts several plant species, such as Api-api, Mangrove, Acacia, Ki Hujan, Mahogany, Flamboyant, Ki Tower, and Duri Busyetan. Bird species found on the island include the Little Egret, the Lesser Blue Kingfisher, and other species.

While on site, the students were assigned to explore Rambut Island while observing the surrounding nature. Observations included the surrounding vegetation, such as the mangroves, which help reduce erosion, and the seabirds that nest there for breeding.

Furthermore, the geography students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, mapped the island’s land boundaries. This is crucial for geography students.

Following the observation, the students also conducted a cleanup around Rambut Island to reduce the amount of trash on the island.