The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held an Open Doctoral Promotion Examination for Muhammad Wahyudi, a student of the Forest Science Study Program, on Monday (Jul. 28), at Auditorium A, Faculty of Forestry.
On this occasion, Wahyudi presented his dissertation titled “Changes in the Ecological System of Coastal Areas of Bantul and Kulon Progo Regencies.”
The event was attended by the Assistant for Economy and Development of Bantul Regency, Fenti Yusdayati, Expert Staff to the Regent for Economic Development, Sutarman, and Deputy Mayor of Palangkaraya, Ahmad Zaini.
In his presentation, Wahyudi explained that changes in coastal ecosystems formed the main background of his research.
Original ecosystems such as pes-caprae and sand dunes have undergone significant transformation into casuarina forests, mangrove forests, agricultural land, tourist areas, settlements, and infrastructure.
Additionally, the threat of abrasion and the potential for a tsunami due to megathrust earthquakes south of Java are other crucial factors underlying this study.
The designation of strategic areas through various national and regional policies, such as Regional Regulation No. 9 of 2018, KP Ministerial Decree No. 17 of 2022, and DIY Governor’s Decree No. 24/KEP/2022, further strengthened the urgency of the research.
Wahyudi’s research examines the interpenetration among ecological systems, social systems, and development policy systems in coastal areas.
From an ecological aspect, he identified 21 types of tree-habitat plants with a moderate diversity index, where casuarina and coconut were dominant species.
Meanwhile, 37 types of grasses and undergrowth were identified with high diversity, dominated by kirinyuh, rumput pahit, katang-katang, suket tutangan, and rumput grinting.
From the animal group, 19 types of mammals were recorded, including two protected species: the leopard cat (kucing kuwuk) and the flat-headed cat (regal).
Also, 40 bird species, one of which is vulnerable (the Javan myna), and 24 types of herpetofauna, including four protected sea turtle species with high conservation status.
From the social side, the research area covers three sub-districts in Bantul Regency and four sub-districts in Kulon Progo Regency.
The availability of public and social facilities in these areas is still limited to basic levels.
Community economic activities include agriculture as the primary sector, followed by tourism, trade, services, and fisheries.
Access to coastal areas is generally obtained through communal claim mechanisms, permits from the Sultanate, or transmigration programs.
This is particularly true in Ring 1 areas like Galur and Panjatan.
Community institutional structures such as the Sand Land Farmers Association (PPLP), Farmer Groups, FKPB, Fishermen Associations, Tourism Associations, and Pokdarwis play important roles.
These roles are in maintaining social stability and also serving as platforms for resistance against various conflicts, including the rejection of sand mining and the construction of NYIA Airport.
Meanwhile, in the aspect of development policy, a dominant national and global development paradigm was found.
This paradigm is oriented towards economic growth and large investments. Since 2012, the “among tani dagang layar” (farming and trading for prosperity) paradigm has been applied.
This was followed by the designation of strategic areas such as NYIA Airport, minapolitan (fisheries-based economic zones), blue economy, and aeropolis cities.
The construction of major infrastructure such as Tanjung Adikarto Port, NYIA Airport, the Southern Coastal Road (JJLS), and plans for the Yogyakarta–Semarang–Solo toll road are part of the acceleration strategy for coastal economic development.
Equally important, essential ecosystem areas have also been mapped.
These include KEE Mangrove Baros, migratory bird habitats, Mangrove Jangkaran, and the Bantul Regency Marine Conservation Area managed by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
Through his dissertation, Muhammad Wahyudi successfully mapped the complex dynamics occurring in the coastal areas of Bantul and Kulon Progo.
This is a result of the close interaction among ecological systems, social systems, and policy systems.
This research is expected to make a significant contribution to the sustainable and socially-ecologically just management of coastal areas.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographs: Faculty of Forestry