Semarang – Central Java (31/1). Diponegoro University (Undip) held a joint tree planting activity between Diponegoro University, Perum Perhutani, the Environment and Forestry Service, and the Central Java Beekeeping Association (PPJT) on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, in the Forest Area with a Special Purpose (KHDTK) Wanadipa Undip Penggaron, Semarang Regency. In this activity, as many as 7,500 Randu trees were planted around the area of KHDTK Wanadipa Undip.

Vice-Rector for Communication and Business, Prof. Budi Setiyono, S.Sos., M.Pol.Admin., Ph.D. conveyed that this joint tree planting activity is a series that Undip is currently carrying out to maintain the preservation of conservation forests. This randu tree planting activity can also contribute to overcoming natural disasters of flooding in the Babon River stream.

“When the flood disaster occurred in the Meteseh area, Undip also deployed an emergency response team to help the affected local residents. Furthermore, Undip together with BPP (Planning and Development Agency) responded to the disaster in a sustainable manner, apart from providing emergency response teams and basic food assistance, we carried out research studies in flooded areas up to the Babon River. We formulate strategic steps so that similar disasters can be prevented in the future.” said Prof. Budi.

“Then we initiated with several parties to carry out intensive reforestation, including today we planted 7,500 randu trees. It is hoped that this can contribute to tackling the causes of flooding in the Babon River stream.” he continued.

Besides that, Prof. Budi hopes that planting Randu trees at KHDTK Wanadipa Undip can provide benefits to the surrounding community. “We chose the Randu tree for two reasons, the first is the utilization of the flowers, later there will be utilization by the Central Java Beekeeping Association (PPJT), where they can raise honey bees to get the essence from the Randu tree flowers. The second is the utilization of the Randu fruit, later the community will manage it for export and for industrial purposes,” he said.

Representing the Head of the Environment and Forestry Service of Central Java Province, Head of the DSA and KSDA Management Division of the Environment and Forestry Service of Central Java Province, Soegiharto, S.Hut., M.P. revealed that KHDTK Wanadipa Undip is one of the places for the development of research in the field of forestry and the environment. “KHDTK Wanadipa Undip is one of the KHDTK in Central Java which is developing very rapidly. With this activity, hopefully, it will be a solution to improve the environment around us and overcome the floods that occurred yesterday in Semarang,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Environmental Service (DLH) of Semarang Regency, Heru Purwantoro, S.Sos., M.M., hopes that the planting of 7,500 Randu trees will benefit all communities, both those located upstream and downstream of the Babon River.

On the same occasion, the Head of KHDTK Wanadipa Undip, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Puryono K.S., M.P. explained the previous tree planting activities had also been carried out. “Previously we also planted durian, avocado and longan trees. The planting activities were carried out with the aim to secure our upstream watershed, which was flooded in Meteseh yesterday, one of the upstream areas is here,” he explained.

“We from KHDTK Wanadipa Undip took the initiative to invite stakeholders and related parties, namely the Environment and Forestry Service, Perum Perhutani, and the surrounding community to plant trees together. We make it green on the right and left sides of the river so that it can function as a water catchment area,” said Prof. Puryono.

Prof. Puryono explained that the KHDTK Wanadipa Undip is the KHDTK for R&D (Research and Development) and can be used to carry out research and research activities. Even though it is just 1.5 years old, KHDTK Wanadipa Undip is considered one of the best KHDTK. This was realized thanks to the support of Undip academics and the surrounding community.

Source: undip.ac.id