Mid-semester is coming, a number of Geological Engineering Study Program, Diponegoro University lecturers and students conducted a field survey on Friday, April 7 2023. The field survey was carried out in preparation for an excursion to Wonogiri – Gunung Kidul for Macropaleontology, Petrology, Sedimentology and Structural Geology courses. The excursion aims to observe a geological condition in the field. This is a method to teach students how the appearance of geological features in the field and how to interpret the geological processes that shape them.

As a closing for lectures and practice activities at the end of the semester, several courses hold field excursions. Due to the busy schedule of lectures and non-academic activities, field activities often have to be carried out outside active days, even on holidays. The excursion is planned for mid-May 2023 before the end of the 2022-2023 Even Semester. Due to limited preparation time amidst the busy schedule of lecturers and students, the survey was still being carried out as soon as possible even during the fasting month.

The survey group consisted of 6 lecturers and 7 students from the organizing committee. The departure from the Pertamina Sukowati Building began with a survey route briefing and the prayer for a safe journey. The first survey site in Wonogiri Regency was an active mining area which exposed rock formations in very good condition. Furthermore, the group visited the Wonogiri Karst Museum to coordinate with the manager regarding the planned visit. After noon, the survey personnel, all of whom were fasting, remained enthusiastic about visiting the location of the rock outcrops around the museum.

The last destination is a beach in Gunung Kidul Regency, which located quite far from the previous site. When energy has decreased, unexpectedly there is a road project on the route taken. The hot and dusty weather along the route challenged the commitment of the survey personnel in continuing their journey into the afternoon. Arriving at the last location, there was a discussion between the lecturer and students regarding the interesting geological conditions. However, the difficult route makes it less likely that this location can be visited on a planned excursion.

At the end of the trip, all lecturers and students were able to complete surveys and fasts smoothly, even though there were unexpected conditions. The group returned safely to Semarang in the evening bringing the results for planning the next excursion.

-JM-