To address the challenges of infrastructure development on peatland, the Geophysics Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Tanjungpura, carried out a Community Service Program (PKM) in Rasau Jaya 1 Village, Rasau Jaya District, Kubu Raya Regency.
The activity, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Community and Village Empowerment (DPMD) of Kubu Raya, was attended by local residents and representatives from several nearby villages.
The event, titled “Empowering the Community of Rasau Jaya Village through Education on Peatland Characteristics and Infrastructure Development Solutions,” was officially opened by Rita Marliana, S.E., representing the Head of DPMD Kubu Raya. In her opening remarks, she expressed deep appreciation to Universitas Tanjungpura, especially the Geophysics Study Program, for choosing Rasau Jaya as the program’s location.
“Developing infrastructure on peat soil requires proper knowledge, planning, and technology. Through this program, we hope the community can better understand peatland characteristics and gain practical insights for sustainable infrastructure development,” she stated.
The PKM team leader, Muliadi, S.Si., M.Si., explained that the program aimed to share knowledge about peatland characteristics and the challenges of infrastructure construction in such environments. The theme is highly relevant to the conditions of Kubu Raya Regency, where much of the area consists of peatland. Common community issues—such as rapidly deteriorating roads, land subsidence, and persistent flooding—were the main focus of discussion.
“This activity is not only an implementation of the university’s tri dharma (three pillars of higher education) but also a form of synergy between academia, government, and the community in building self-reliant, progressive, and sustainable villages,” he emphasized.
The series of activities began with measurements of peat thickness and physical characteristics at several points in Rasau Jaya. The results were then analyzed and presented by the Geophysics lecturers in a discussion forum with the local community. In his presentation, Radhitya Perdhana, S.Si., M.Sc., noted that Rasau Jaya has extensive peatland areas.
“Understanding peat properties is essential to ensure that village infrastructure development is conducted accurately, safely, and sustainably,” he explained.
Participants showed great enthusiasm throughout the event, actively engaging with questions and feedback to the lecturer team. It is hoped that through educational initiatives like this, the community will not only benefit from development projects but also play an active role in promoting knowledge-based, environmentally conscious, and sustainable development on their own peatlands.
