Exploring Nature’s Laboratory: Stories from the 2025 Karangsambung Geology Field Lecture
Exploring Nature’s Laboratory: Stories from the 2025 Karangsambung Geology Field Study By: Dasapta Erwin Irawan | Photo: Karangsambung Geology Field Study Team 2025 July 2025 witnessed an unforgettable academic adventure for dozens of geology students. For an entire month, they transformed from classroom students into true explorers in Karangsambung, Kebumen, Central Java, a “natural laboratory” that holds geological secrets millions of years old. The Karangsambung Geology Field Study, held from July 1 to 31, 2025, was not just a routine activity, but a journey to understand the Earth up close.
from the Karangsambung 2025 Geology Field Lecture team) Geology students have completed the 2025 Karangsambung Geology Field Lecture. Inside the bus, filled with cheer and laughter, the happy and satisfied faces of the students were clearly visible, having just completed a series of field activities and now preparing to return to their campus in Bandung. The broad smiles, enthusiastic thumbs-up gestures, and “peace” signs displayed among them reflected not only their close camaraderie but also their deep satisfaction at having successfully overcome the challenging field challenges. This journey home was not simply about returning to campus routines, but also a time to reflect on the precious memories deeply engraved throughout their academic journey. Upon arrival, a solemn yet enthusiastic atmosphere was immediately felt.
The students were seen sitting on the rocky riverbank, overlooking the shady trees. This was where they began their real “lecture”: describing the rocks in their hands while listening to explanations from their supervising lecturers. The rocks they had only seen in textbooks could now be touched, felt, and analyzed directly. Lecturers could be seen pointing to specific rock formations, providing contextual understanding never achieved in a traditional lecture hall. Of course, activities at Karangsambung weren’t limited to the riverbank. Students also marched or marched across challenging terrain, including through beautiful terraced rice fields. Wearing uniform yellow jackets, they walked through rice paddy embankments and hills, carrying mapping equipment. This activity is the essence of field geology, where direct observation and mapping are key to understanding the geological structure of an area. Although most of the time was spent outdoors, theoretical activities remained essential. A photo from the auditorium shows students returning indoors for a public lecture session. With a large screen behind him, a lecturer gave a presentation titled “The Objectives of Karangsambung Geology.” This session served as a briefing, evaluation, or in-depth review of the material, ensuring that field understanding was integrated with solid theory. In addition to interacting with fellow academics, the geology lecturers also collaborated with local government officials. A formal meeting with the Kebumen Regency Regional Leadership Council (Muspida) demonstrated the synergy between education and government. This demonstrated that the fieldwork activities not only benefited students but also contributed to regional development, perhaps through discussions on geological potential or spatial planning.
The fieldwork concluded with an intensive evaluation session. In a room, two lecturers carefully reviewed and discussed the geological maps created by the students. This was the culmination of the entire process, where the students’ hard work was tested and refined. Direct guidance from the lecturers provided a valuable opportunity to refine their understanding and practical skills. The Karangsambung 2025 fieldwork project reflected holistic learning: combining hands-on practice in nature, classroom theory, teamwork, and community interaction. For the students, it wasn’t just about earning grades, but about building a strong foundation as geologists, ready to face real-world challenges.
Hits: 0
