¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ

The program, titled "Delineation of Chemical Contamination Potential from Geogenic Sources and Technology-Based Education at the UNESCO Global Geopark Ijen," aimed to map the potential for natural water contamination while empowering the local educator community with innovative learning technologies.

The program, initiated by Dr.mont. Ir. Andy Yahya Al Hakim, S.T., M.T. from ITB's Mining Engineering, was carried out in two stages. The first stage, at the end of July 2025, focused on field surveys and water sample collection in the Ijen District. The second stage, in mid-September 2025, continued with a workshop and the dissemination of research results to junior and senior high school teachers and students in Banyuwangi Regency.

The main background for this activity was the indication of Fluoride (Fluor) contamination in the water sources used by the community for their daily needs. The highly acidic water from Ijen Crater (pH < 1) flows through the Kalipait River and has the potential to seep into springs, groundwater, and rivers utilized by residents.

"It has been reported that there are changes in the community's teeth, such as yellowing or decay, due to the influence of these geogenic sources," said one of the team members and an undergraduate student of ITB Mining Engineering, Muhammad Havid Noor Hidayat. The main challenge is that many people are unaware of this danger because it is natural and not immediately visible.

To address this challenge, the FTTM ITB team conducted mapping and laboratory analysis of the water samples to determine the extent of contamination and its compliance with clean water standards. The complex analytical results were then "translated" by the FSRD ITB lecturer team into engaging and easily understandable educational media.

In a workshop held in collaboration with the Banyuwangi Regency Government and Geopark Ijen, teachers were introduced to technology-based learning methods, such as Augmented Reality (AR) and 3D Printing. "The hope is that this community service can also develop the creativity of teachers in Banyuwangi Regency through the development of a technology-based education system," explained another team member and undergraduate student of ITB Mining Engineering, Fajar Fariz Fadholi (Mining Engineering, 2021).

This program is expected not only to increase the awareness of the Ijen community to be more selective in using water for long-term health but also to spark educational innovation in Banyuwangi. "This activity can be a gateway for other researchers who wish to conduct similar research in this location," Fajar concluded.

Reporter: Muhammad Hanif Darmawan (Mining Engineering, 2021)