[Unpad.ac.id, 7/06/2013] Hiking is a relaxing outdoor activity. This activity, furthermore, can have more meaning by, for example, simultaneously doing scientific research. Adding meaning to such activity, accordingly, has become the main reason for mountaineers in Rejanawa FTIP Unpad to go on an expedition called Munggaran Amerta from June to October.
This expedition will study water quality in 17 mountains located in Java, Bali and NTB, namely Gunung Gede, Pangrango, Ceremai, Slamet, Sindoro, Sumbing, Merbabu, Merapi, Lawu, Arjuno, Welirang, Semeru, Bromo, Argopuro, Agung, Batur, and Rinjani. Those mountains are the most explored mountains in Indonesia.
“Due to the fact that many choose those mountains as their favorite, we find it necessary that we study water quality there,” said Dudin Zaenudin, the head of the exploration committee.
Thirty-four members of Rejanawana, some of whom are Dudin Zaenudin, Ida Bagus Putu Anom, Eki Firdaus Amarulloh, Siska Octapratiwi. M. Tuhaeni, Fadli Bayanulloh, and M. Akbar Anugrah, will be divided into groups of 3 to 5, each of which explores different mountain.
Munggaran Amerta, which in Sundanese means the first drink for gods, is the first expedition that surveys water quality that Rejanawana organizes in the aforementioned locations. In addition to the expedition, Rejanawana also organizes natural exploration and seminar. Water samples collected from the peaks and slopes will be examined further in FTIP laboratory.
“Water samples examined in our lab will tell whether excessive mountain exploration affect the water quality. Our finding will be published in journal and screened in the seminar,” said Akbar, the head of Rejanawana. It is also expected that preventive measure to maintain water sources from pollution can be immediately taken.
The activity also aims at a global campaign to preserve nature. Rejanawana is concerned with the fact that many hikers are somewhat irresponsible when hiking the mountains. “We have to be part of nature for it gives us life and teaches us valuable lessons,” Siska added. Dudin added that after this expedition, another would follow, especially in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
