UNDIP, Semarang (March 30) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) owns a forest area designated as a natural laboratory. This area is known as the Wanadipa Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK/ Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus Wanadipa), located within the Perhutani KPH Semarang area, specifically in Susukan Village, Ungaran, Semarang Regency.
KHDTK Wanadipa UNDIP spans 99.65 hectares, divided into three blocks with varying levels of biodiversity. In accordance with regulations from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, KHDTK Wanadipa is divided into several functional zones, including a research and education block, an agroforestry block, an edu-tourism utilization block, and a special conservation block.
This forest area serves as an educational facility and research medium for the UNDIP academic community. It is also being developed into an edu-tourism and business hub. The management of KHDTK Wanadipa involves local communities, emphasizing the quality of research, forest utilization, and community service. Development activities follow a structured roadmap: institutional strengthening (2020–2024), research and development toward forest ecosystem-based edu-tourism (2025–2029), improvement of natural and human resources (2030–2034), and implementation of innovative and leading research results (2035–2049).
KHDTK Wanadipa is equipped with several facilities, including the Wanadipa Greenhouse and Joglo Bale Wanadipa. The Wanadipa Greenhouse supports agricultural innovation and sustainability by enhancing the quality of scientific research and the development of agricultural technology. It also serves as a center for studying various plant varieties and modern agricultural technologies, contributing to environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, Joglo Bale Wanadipa is a traditional Javanese joglo building made from teak wood, which is over 100 years old and was brought in from Juwangi, Boyolali, Jawa Tengah. The building, measuring 9 × 10 square meters, can also be used as a meeting place for local farmers.
The latest activity at KHDTK Wanadipa UNDIP, in collaboration with the Kedaireka Program, is the Integrated Farming System (IFS). This program focuses on managing forest resources into commodities—from cultivation and processing of materials and waste to product creation. Other infrastructure to be built in the area includes offices, roads, and animal shelters, with Joglo Bale Wanadipa playing an important role in supporting these activities.
Various scientific innovations developed at KHDTK Wanadipa UNDIP include eco-friendly microalgae cultivation in agriculture, cattle and sheep farming focusing on biogas, liquid and solid compost, milk production in livestock, and bioenergy development. This program will be managed in collaboration with UNDIP’s partners, including local community groups—mainly farmers—through the Pesanggem Farmer Group.
UNDIP manages its forest area as a facility for education, research, and development based on conservation principles. The management approach incorporates various relevant fields of knowledge, including environmental science, engineering, economics, and social sciences. The forest is home to a variety of tree species, including teak, sengon, and mahogany, as well as Multi-Purpose Tree Species (MPTS) such as durian, bitter bean, coffee, breadfruit, and mango. MPTS are known for their dual benefits—not only providing timber but also producing valuable fruits and flowers. In addition, several rare plant species grow here, such as namnam and sandalwood. The forest also serves as a habitat for various native wildlife species from the Penggaron Forest, including birds and mammals.
Head of the KHDTK Office, Prof. Dr. Sri Puryono KS, M.P., stated that the management of KHDTK plays a crucial role in conserving ecosystems, particularly in Semarang Regency. “This forest is a tropical rainforest. In May and June, it becomes a rest area for bird species migrating from Australia. We strive to maintain the environment and provide food for these birds, with the hope that someday it will become their permanent habitat,” said Prof. Puryono.
Prof. Sri Puryono also emphasized that sustainable tree planting in KHDTK UNDIP is a concrete effort toward climate change mitigation and supports UNDIP’s ranking in the UI GreenMetric. “As we know, UNDIP has successfully ranked second for five consecutive years in the UI GreenMetric. Moving forward, we aim for the top spot, and one of our key strategies is to intensify reforestation efforts through sustainable tree planting in KHDTK,” he explained.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of sustainability in UNDIP’s greening efforts.
“Planting trees is a small investment for a greater return in the future, with continuous maintenance as part of our collective endeavor to save the planet,” Prof. Puryono affirmed. (As – Media Relations)
