Students from the Geography Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), again conducted a Field Work Lecture (KKL) in Parakansalak District, Sukabumi Regency, on Thursday (May 26, 2022). This KKL is considered the third KKL conducted for undergraduate geography students from the 2019 intake.
Previously, on May 23, 2022, a group of 22 students with 22 research themes led directly by Dr. Supriatna, M.T. as the supervising lecturer and Head of the Geography Department of FMIPA UI was immediately warmly received by the Head of Parakasalak District, H. Royani.
Fieldwork is a mandatory course for students in the Geography Department of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), which involves primary data collection through interviews and field validation. This activity was carried out effectively and adhered to COVID-19 health protocols.
Dr. Supriatna, M.T., Head of the Geography Department of FMIPA UI and also the supervisor in this activity, said that this field work lecture 3 discussed research themes related to natural phenomena and the relationship between population activities and their environment.
“In some places, there is a probability that natural factors can present obstacles for residents, but in other places, natural factors actually become supporting factors for population activities,” said Dr. Supriatna.
According to him, there’s also the possibility of changes in land use or cover over time, as well as due to changes in human activity. “Furthermore, natural phenomena and government policies also contribute to changes in the physical environment,” said the Geographic Information Systems expert.
This fieldwork lecture will be held from Monday to Friday (May 27, 2022). According to him, the program targets the Parakansalak District community as stakeholders, the Parakansalak District government as development planners, students as implementers of the fieldwork activities, and lecturers as implementers and supervisors..
“In this fieldwork course, students employ several research methods. These include field observations, mapping, literature reviews, in-depth interviews, statistical calculations, and analysis utilizing remote sensing,” he added.
He hopes this fieldwork activity will produce research that will benefit the local community and the government in Parakansalak District. “Hopefully, this activity will yield significant results for the local environment,” said the Sukabumi-born man.
On May 25, 2022, students presented their research findings to the sub-district head and his staff. The findings covered landslide risk, land use changes, the potential and impacts of geothermal activities, tourism, and the socio-economic impacts of the community, including MSMEs.
“The study was analyzed using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and remote sensing, resulting in GIS-based digital maps on various themes,” he said, closing the interview.
