The Department of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (UI), Conducts Research in Parakansalak, Sukabumi

Students from the Geography Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), once again participated in a Field Work Lecture (KKL) in Parakansalak District, Sukabumi Regency, on Thursday (May 26, 2022). This was 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 topics, led by Dr. Supriatna, M.T., the supervisor and Head of the Geography Department, FMIPA UI, was warmly welcomed by the Head of Parakasalak District, H. Royani.

KKL is a mandatory course for students in the Geography Department, FMIPA UI, which involves primary data collection through interviews and field validation. This activity was carried out well and adhered to COVID-19 health protocols.

Dr. Supriatna, M.T. as the Head of the Geography Department of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) and the supervisor of this activity, stated that this third fieldwork lecture will discuss research topics related to natural phenomena and the relationship between human activities and their environment.

"In some places, there is a possibility that natural factors can hinder human activities, but in other places, natural factors can actually be supporting factors for human activities," said Dr. Supriatna.

According to him, there is also the possibility of changes in land use or land cover over time or due to changes in human activities. "Furthermore, natural phenomena and government policies also contribute to changes in the physical environment," said the Geographic Information System expert.

This fieldwork lecture will be held from Monday to Friday (May 27, 2022). According to him, the targets of this fieldwork program include the Parakansalak District community as stakeholders, the Parakansalak District government as development planners, students as fieldwork implementers, and lecturers as implementers and supervisors..

"In this fieldwork lecture, students use 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 lecture will produce research that will benefit the surrounding community and the government in Parakansalak District. "Hopefully, this activity can produce 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 results of their research covered landslide susceptibility, land use change, the potential and impacts of geothermal activities, tourism, and the socio-economic conditions 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 concluded.

News source : https://sci.ui.ac.id/