Bantul, December 4th 2024 – Students of Disaster Management Master Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (MMB UGM) conducted a field study as part of their Disaster Sociology course at two locations in Bantul Regency, namely Semampir Hamlet in Panjangrejo Village, Pundong District, and Plumbungan Hamlet in Sumbermulyo Village, Bambanglipuro District. This activity, led by Dr. Ir. Dina Ruslanjari, M.Si., Chief of the MMB UGM Program, aimed to collect primary data with observations and in-depth interviews to understand the social dynamics of the community amidst disaster.
A total of 12 students, from the even semester of 2023 and odd semester of 2024, departed from the UGM Graduate School at 08:30 AM using three cars. Upon arrival at Semampir Hamlet at 09:30 AM, they were divided into three groups to interview local residents.
Semampir Hamlet: The Endangered Pottery Village
Semampir Hamlet is known as a center for pottery production, utilizing local raw materials such as clay from Gunung Kidul, sand from Depok Beach, and soil from rice fields. The pottery-making process involves mixing rice field soil with sand, followed by grinding, molding, drying, adding clay from Gunung Kidul, and firing for two hours using wood covered with straw.
However, according to Bu Eko, one of the pottery artisans interviewed, pottery production has drastically declined. “In the past, we could sell up to 2,000 units per week. Now, the maximum is only 100 units, and in the past few months, there have been no sales at all,” she said. This decline is attributed to the reduced demand from the community and limited sales channels, which are reliant solely on Wonosari.
The peak of pottery demand occurred after the Bantul earthquake and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A small mortar during that time was priced at IDR 1,500 per unit, with the price set directly by the artisans. However, now the pottery business is at risk of extinction as the younger generation opts for jobs in other sectors, such as factories or trading at Depok Beach.
In addition to economic challenges, Semampir Hamlet also faces the threat of disasters. In 2019, the Winongo River flood disrupted pottery production, compounded by the rainy season that made drying the pottery difficult. “When production stops, I rely on my children’s assistance for daily needs,” said Bu Eko. She also mentioned health issues like rashes and respiratory infections experienced by children in the village due to exposure to smoke from the pottery firing process.
Plumbungan Vineyard Hamlet: Unoptimized Potential
After completing the visit to Semampir Hamlet, the group continued their journey to Plumbungan Hamlet at 11:30 AM. This hamlet is known as the “Vineyard Village,” which began in 2016 through the initiative of Pak Rio and was developed by a local women’s group (PKK). Initially, most residents were farm workers and factory laborers, but now nearly every household has its own vineyard.
According to Bu Bardi, one of the residents interviewed, the Vineyard Village had reached its peak before the COVID-19 pandemic, with extensive media coverage and visits from tourists. However, the pandemic reduced tourist interest, leading to a drop in the price of grape seedlings, which had previously ranged from IDR 150,000 to IDR 1.5 million. Moreover, the residents lack the necessary skills to promote the Vineyard Village through social media.
“Our main income comes from tourists who buy seedlings and grapes from the residents’ houses, but now, tourists are much fewer,” said Bu Bardi. Weather effects also pose a significant challenge, as consecutive rainfall causes the grapes to rot, especially for farms without transparent roofing.
Although grape cultivation is a secondary income, the Vineyard Village plays an important role in the community’s food security. Grape leaves are processed into vegetables and chips, while organic waste like failed fruit harvests is turned into eco-enzyme for fertilizers and facial masks. “We also cooperate in seedling propagation and sales, often entrusting products to others when someone has difficulty selling on their own,” added Bu Bardi.
Purpose and Expectations of the Field Study
This field study is expected to provide students with firsthand experience in understanding the social dynamics of communities facing disasters and economic challenges. “Through this activity, students can hone their interview and observation skills, as well as directly observe how disasters affect the social and economic lives of the community,” said Dr. Dina Ruslanjari.
As a follow-up, students are required to compile reports of their observations and present them in class to evaluate their understanding of social issues related to disasters.
Keywords: SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education
Authors: M. Irfan Nurdiansyah, Pri Juwandi, Firli Yogiteten Sunaryoko