Karangsambung: The Geological Crucible for ITB Geological Engineering Students

September 16, 2024 - ( update : 29-11-2024 )

By M. Naufal Hafizh

Editor M. Naufal Hafizh

KARANGSAMBUNG, itb.ac.id — Karangsambung is a geological wonder in Kebumen Regency, Central Java, where oceanic and continental plates converge. This accumulation of rocks over millions of years has created a complex tectonic structure.This area serves as a "training ground" for the Geological Engineering students of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) for over four decades, where they are shaped to be strong and skilled geologists.

"This area is unique. Setting foot in Karangsambung means standing on an exposed ocean floor. It's the point where the Indian Ocean plate meets the Eurasian Continental plate. There are various geological phenomena found in Karangsambung that are rare elsewhere. The rock formations, outcrops, and structures offer tangible evidence for the theory of plate tectonics," explained Karina Aerielle (Geological Engineering, 2020), assistant coordinator.

The coordinating lecturer and supervisor of the field study, Ir. Alfend Rudyawan, S.T., M.Sc., M.T., Ph.D., emphasized that students are expected to gain both knowledge and practical skills. "These skills include applying basic knowledge, directly observing field objects, collecting and analyzing data, synthesizing findings, and effectively conveying information. We also train students to collaborate in groups, communicate effectively, and maintain a lifelong learning mindset," he said.

This year's Karangsambung field lecture took place from June 20 to July 21, 2024. The program was attended by 73 students from the 2021 Geological Engineering batch, including 2 participants from the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program of Pattimura University. For the first 15 days, students engaged in field activities guided by lecturers, covering modules such as sedimentology, structural geology, geomorphology, observation, and geological trajectories. Ultimately, the collected field data will be elaborated and used for field mapping activities.

"Field mapping was conducted over 11 days and served as the main component of this field lecture. As a conclusion, participants were taken on a site visit where lecturers explained the formation of Java Island, starting from the ancient areas around Karangsambung to the younger formations at Menganti Beach in southern Kebumen," added another assistant, Rismawan Nurhuda (Geological Engineering, 2020).

Reporter: Maharani Rachmawati Purnomo (Oceanography, 2020)
Translator: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)
Editor: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2024)