A total of 22 students from the Department of Physics, Yogyakarta State University (UNY), together with their course lecturer, Dr. Riko Septiantoko, M.Pd., carried out a pandan laut (Pandanus tectorius) planting activity at Pelangi Beach, Bantul, recently. The activity formed part of the Education and Sustainable Development course and served as a concrete contribution by the UNY academic community to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Pandan laut was selected for its ability to reduce coastal abrasion and maintain the stability of fragile coastal ecosystems that are increasingly affected by climate change and human activities. “Students should not only understand the theory of sustainable development. They need to be directly involved, experience the process, and grasp the urgency of environmental protection,” said Dr. Riko Septiantoko, M.Pd., during the planting activity.
In addition to planting pandan laut, participants also took part in a sea turtle conservation education session led by the Yogyakarta Conservation Action Foundation (YAKY). The session covered turtle species found along the southern coast of Java, the challenges facing their habitats, as well as rehabilitation efforts and the release of hatchlings (tukik) in collaboration with local communities. This activity provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the interconnection between coastal ecosystems, flora, fauna, and the sustainability of coastal livelihoods.
One of the participants, Nita, shared that the activity offered valuable hands-on experience that heightened environmental awareness. “It was exciting to plant directly on the beach and see turtles at the conservation site. It made us realize that protecting nature is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
The program aligns closely with the SDGs, particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 15 (Life on Land), which emphasize environmental protection, ecosystem restoration, and the active role of young people in building a sustainable future. The local community welcomed the initiative and expressed hope that similar activities would continue to help preserve the coastal environment of Bantul.
