From May 4 to May 7, 2024, 26 students from the International Relations (IR) Study Program, Faculty of Humanities, and three from the Management Study Program, Faculty of Business, at President University (Presuniv) participated in a field trip. They traveled to Tlogopakis Village, Petungkriyono District, Pekalongan Regency, Central Java. The trip was themed An Environmental Awareness Journey: Sustainable Education Tour in Petungkriyono. The trip provided students with a holistic learning experience covering tropical forest ecosystems, forests, rural area development, and exploring local culture and traditions.
This journey was part of the course requirement to understand the Sustainable Development Goals and (SDG) 15 & Forest Politics in particular. During the trip, the students were guided by M. Sigit Andhi Rahman, Ph.D., a lecturer in the IR Study Program. Sigit stated, “Field studies like this play a crucial role in shaping future leaders who will be committed to preserving the Earth’s resources.”
During the field trip, the students delved into the intricacies of tropical forest ecosystems. Led by experts, each session offered insights into the balance of flora and fauna, the importance of biodiversity, and the challenges faced in preserving these ecosystems amidst the pressures of modern development.
Additionally, the students actively participated in activities which focused on forest and rural development. They engaged with the local community to better understand sustainable practices in land use, natural resource management, and rural community empowerment. “This hands-on approach allowed the students the opportunity to understand the complexities associated with balancing economic development and environmental conservation,” Sigit remarked.
During the field trip, the students also proposed innovations or ideas related to the use of local resources. For example, they suggested using coffee waste as plant fertilizer, facial exfoliating material, and as an alternative animal feed. They presented all these ideas and concepts to the local community.
A Transformative Journey
While in Petungkriyono, the students learned to play traditional gamelan music and the captivating Kuda Lumping dance. They also enjoyed the rich cultural heritage of Petungkriyono and explored the Lingga Yoni Nogopertolo archaeological site.
They explored the natural beauty of the area, including the stunning Curug Bajing waterfall and Welo Asri Ecotourism centre. They also observed beehives in the forest and discovered native flora and fauna such as the Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch) and the Surili monkey, and rare birds found only in this location. These activities provided the students with a rich experience and deepened their connection to the environment.
Arief Setiawan from the Relung Indonesia Foundation, an organization heavily involved in conservation efforts in Petungkriyono area, expressed his hopes. He said, “I hope activities like this are not just one-time events but can be done regularly every year and for longer periods. This way, the students can contribute knowledge and understanding to the community.”
During the four days, the students not only gained knowledge but also developed a sense of responsibility and concern for the environment. Through interactive learning, dialogues with experts, and hands-on experiences, the students enriched their academic insights and gained a new commitment to advocating for sustainable practices in the future, including promoting conservation efforts that also benefit the local community.
Sigit remarked, “This field trip is a tangible form of Presuniv’s holistic education approach. Students are not only equipped with academic knowledge but also imbued with values of environmental awareness and social responsibility.” He hopes that when these students become future leaders and step into the real world, they will carry the lessons from Petungkriyono, recognising the transformative power of experiential education in creating a sustainable future for everyone. (JB Susetiyo, PR team. Report and photos: Shella and Tomy)