Exposure to Port Sadeng and

Beaches in Gunungkidul

On Friday – Sunday, August 28 to 30 2015

On Friday, August 28, 2015 was a day that be awaited by the participants of ocean economy training program, why? Because they will go to Sadeng Gunungkidul for an exposure. They were Yohana Kahi Leba, Dhany AA Umbu Tunggu, Abisag Ndapatara and Fransiska Evawati, accompanied by Trustha Rembaka and Stenly R. Bontinge.

The trip to Sadeng took about two hours from Yogyakarta to the southeast of Gunungkidul. The winding roads following the contour of hilly Gunungkidul were the exotic appeal of this region. Gunungkidul in August was dominated by natural brown color as the ground dries off and plants are withered. We found some limestone hills were excavated, truncated, split and they became a pockmark on Gunungkidul earth surface. The trip ended after entering the steep slope, that was formerly the ancient Bengawan Solo river banks. The waving green leaves from dozens of palm trees greeted us in port Sadeng area.

At the UPTD office of port Sadeng, Mr. Soleman and Mr. Sunardi welcame us warmly. After introducing and explaining the objectives of the activity, we walked around the port Sadeng with Mr. Sunardi. He explained the buildings in the port area, such as office buildings, docks, fish auction place (TPI), employees rooms and guests house, warehouses and docks workshop. He also shew the activity in the port, like the process of loading and unloading the fish, fish auction, buying and selling fish, preparing boat to sail and recreation. He also told about people who lives in port Sadeng.

  

Participants did activities based on their interests to explore the 'life' of port Sadeng. The activities in port Sadeng started early in the morning, preparing boat logistics for fishing, cleaning the floor for fish auctions while boat crew started to prepare nets and rigging. In another area, traders set up stalls for selling fish, other traders prepared their stuff for sale in their kiosk, such as food and beverages. Dozens of ships with various sizes moored in the port pool. They belong to Polairud patrol boats, Indonesian navy and fishing boats of . Also, there was a shipwreck submerged in one corner of the port pool.

  

  

Fisherman's life is a combination of a high risk, hard life and togetherness. They must break the high waves and sharp coral ledge, they must live at the sea for several days to fish under the scorching sun and cold sea air cover at night. But beyond that, the fisherman's life illustrates a power of togetherness among fishermen and port workers. Setting up nets, rolling ropes and preparing the logistics for fishing were done together. When anchored, the process of unloading fish and repairing ship could not be separated from the cooperation among them.

On Saturday afternoon the participants left port Sadeng to Joglo Karangjati with a bunch of unrevealed questions. Joglo Karangjati was the next 'home-base' to rest and prepare notes of group activities. Exposure was continued on Sunday morning, we walked along  the beach of Trenggole – Watulawang – Pok Tunggal, the favourite beaches in Gunungkidul. Formerly, these three beaches were separated each other, but they now can be reached by walking along the beach and cliffs.

  

Unfortunately, some parts of the cliffs and sea pandanus plants were cut down for small path and tourist spots development. In some parts of the cliff, vandalism done by visitors may be traced. It is an irony that while enjoying the beauty of nature, they destroy nature.

Sundak, Ngandong and Sadranan beaches became our next target. Snorkling is the favourite activity in Sadranan beach. Dozens of stalls provide goggles for tourists to rent. It becomes additional income for local residents, but on the other side, the crowd of the tourists could affect the conservation of underwater nature at Sadranan beach.

Travelling back to Yogyakarta, we passed South Roadway (JJLS), that in some parts are being constructed and this roadway is expected to improve the local economy in the south of Yogyakarta. (TRU).