UNAIR NEWS – As part of its commitment to addressing natural disasters during the rainy season, the Tulungagung Chapter of the Universitas Airlangga Alumni Association (IKA UNAIR) has initiated a reforestation program. Titled “Collaborative Action for Reforestation in Southern Tulungagung: Geosite Goa Tenggar,” the initiative was held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, in the Geosite Tenggar area of Tenggarejo Village, Tanggunggunung District, Tulungagung.
The program was designed as a proactive measure to mitigate the risk of disasters during heavy rains, which often lead to landslides and mud-laden floods, especially in mountainous regions. These issues have been exacerbated by the conversion of forests into agricultural land, disrupting the essential ecological balance.
Collaboration and sustainability
This reforestation initiative was implemented with the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including the Trenggalek Regional Forestry Branch Office, BP Geopark Tulungagung, the Tulungagung Branch of the Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI), the Forest Farmers Group Association (Gapoktanhut) Wonodadi Lestari Tenggarejo, and Satria Airlangga Veterinarian (Sagavet) Tulungagung. The Tulungagung Regency Government and residents of Tenggarejo Village also actively participated in the effort.
“This program is not a one-time event but part of the long-term initiatives of IKA UNAIR Tulungagung Chapter,” explained Dr. Desi Wardhani, Chairperson of IKA UNAIR Tulungagung. “It also builds upon our previous project of constructing bore wells to address water scarcity, particularly during the dry season.”
Dr. Wardhani underscored the importance of restoring forest functions to prevent recurring natural disasters. “We invite all parties, especially farmers working on forested land, to plant tall-growing trees. The seedlings will be provided by the Trenggalek Regional Forestry Branch Office, and the areas designated for planting are classified as social forestry lands,” she added.
Community empowerment program
The initiative does not aim to replace maize farming, which has long been a primary economic resource for local farmers. Instead, it encourages integrating tall-growing trees with existing maize crops. Tree species such as avocado, durian, coffee, and other economically valuable plants are recommended.
“With this approach, within three to four years, these trees will bear fruit and provide economic value. Beyond preventing landslides and flash floods, they can also serve as a new source of income,” Dr. Wardhani explained.
Agus Prasetyo, Head of the Trenggalek Regional Forestry Branch Office, urged residents to care for the newly planted trees. He commended the Tulungagung Chapter of IKA UNAIR for its proactive role in reforestation and its commitment to community support. “I hope this program succeeds—not only in restoring forest functions but also in delivering economic benefits,” he concluded.
Author: Zahwa Najiba Putri Malika
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
