Semarang, 1 August 2024 – The Geological Engineering Department of FT Undip is holding Summer Course activities on 25 – 30 July 2024 in Semarang City and Jepara Regency. This activity collaborates with a partner university from Germany, namely RWTH Aachen University. Apart from that, this activity also collaborated with Geological Engineering, Gadjah Mada University, which also sent student representatives. The activity was attended by 39 participants consisting of 22 participants physically present and 17 online participants via the Zoom platform. Participants were a mixture of students from various universities, namely from Indonesia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, China, Malaysia, Brazil and England. The topic taken is specifically in the field of Hydrogeology, with the activity title “Hydrogeology of saltwater intrusion in the northern Java coastal area: case study Semarang and Jepara, Central Java”.
Seawater intrusion is a natural phenomenon that allows seawater to enter the aquifer. Decades of exploitation of water resources in coastal areas lowered groundwater levels and allowed the interface between sea water and fresh water to move inland. Therefore, the quality of groundwater will decline and will no longer be useful for meeting human needs. Research and investigative efforts must be pursued to better understand coastal aquifer flow to avoid further degradation. In this program, participants are invited to investigate hydrogeological concepts related to sea water intrusion and explain specific cases in Semarang and Jepara, Central Java, where conditions are accelerating due to land subsidence and sea level rise. This activity is important for understanding environmental problems and water resource management in coastal areas according to one of the Sustainable Development Goals agendas.
The series of activities begins on July 25 2024 with an opening event and lectures related to the Summer Course topic. Prof. Dr. Jamari as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, welcomed the participants and invited guests warmly. The first lecture was delivered by Najib, Ph.D, a resource person from Geological Engineering and chairman of the committee, with the material title “Regional Geology of Central Java Lowland and Coastal Area”. Next, the topic “Saltwater Intrusion in Urban Area on the Northern Coast of Java” was delivered by Prof. Dr. Agus Setyawan from the Department of Physics. The last lecture by Prof. Thomas Rüde from RWTH Aachen University regarding “Sampling and Parameters in Coastal Aquifers”. Each session was interspersed with questions and answers and discussions from both participants in class and those present online.
On the second day, July 26 2024, participants were invited to carry out observations, measurements and sampling in the field. The objects observed and data taken were dug wells, ponds and deep wells in Tugu District and Genuk District, Semarang City. Participants were divided into four groups and separated into two groups for more effective observation. Before taking data, participants were taught how to calibrate the measurement equipment. Prof. Rüde explained that measurements of groundwater parameters in the field must be carried out precisely and in detail, and taking into account geological conditions. After collecting data and samples, participants were invited to plant mangroves in the Tapak Beach area. Planting mangroves is one of the local communities’ efforts to conserve coastal areas affected by abrasion.
The group moved to Jepara Regency on 27-28 July 2024, covering Kedung, Bandengan, Tahunan and Mlonggo Districts. The activities carried out in Jepara are still the same as before, namely collecting data and groundwater samples from wells dug by residents in coastal areas. In the Jepara area, variations in the physical and chemical characteristics of groundwater can be observed due to differences in the types of rocks that make up the aquifer. In between activities, the participants and lecturers socialized in relaxing activities, namely playing on the beach, playing sports together, and intimate evenings in the Blebak Beach area, Jepara.
After returning to Semarang, on July 29 2024 the participants carried out laboratory analysis of groundwater samples taken previously. Activities were carried out at the Environmental Management Geology Laboratory, Geological Engineering to determine chemical characteristics which are parameters in sea water intrusion analysis. Participants under the direction of Prof. Rüde worked carefully in shifts, so that each member of the group could perform spectrometric analysis on the samples. The analysis continues with data processing in groups to be presented the following day.
Before making their presentations, participants were given time to discuss the results of their work on July 30 2024. The committee also invited lecturer and student representatives from various departments at Undip. Finally, participants present what they have done in front of supervisors, lecturers, invited guests and online participants. Each group conveyed well and discussed the questions given, as a result of the knowledge they had gained over the last few days. This session ended with impressions, messages and thanks from Dr. Najib as chairman of the committee and Prof. Rüde as supervisor from the partner university, and also as a tribute to remember the Late Prof. Thomas T Putranto who previously initiated the activity. The series of activities closed with a tour and tour of Semarang City. Participants are invited to go on a batik shopping trip and visit historical places, namely the Sam Poo Kong Temple and the Old Town area. A dinner event in the Semarang Old Town was the end of this Summer Course activity.
The 6 days of activities ran smoothly, even though there were dynamics and changes in the field, the committee was able to handle them well. The enthusiasm of the participants and the dedication of the resource persons should be appreciated. The benefit of the activity has been achieved collaboration between universities in sharing knowledge and expertise that supports the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. Apart from that, the interaction between German, Saudi Arabian, local UGM and Undip students looked warm in studying each other’s character and culture. This allows for further networking and scientific collaboration not only within the university but also for students who participate in this activity.
