PLANTAGAMA, one of the semi-independent organizations (BSI) at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, which focuses on nature enthusiasts, held the second phase of its Advanced Training for instructor candidates. This phase concentrated on rigging training (rope installation) using single rope technique (SRT) for vertical cave exploration.
Narito Wahyu Prasetyo, Chair of PLANTAGAMA 2024 and a student of the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness program (Class of 2021), explained that PLANTAGAMA instructor candidates must go through three levels of Advanced Training. He emphasized that the second phase of training, held at Jomblang Cave, Gunung Kidul, was designed to hone the technical skills of PLANTAGAMA’s special members (AK) in vertical environments.
“Jomblang Cave presents a vertical challenge similar to more difficult cave expeditions. This training is intended to prepare instructor candidates for future challenges,” Narito explained.
The second Advanced Training, which took place on Saturday, 12 October 2024, was attended by special members (AK) from group 38, including Fitri Muslimah (Aquaculture 2021), as well as several members from group 39, such as Afifuddin Emilul Fata (Soil Science 2023), Anzim Wijayani (Agronomy 2023), and Kalya Meidiana Naomi (Aquatic Resource Management 2023). As one of the event supervisors, Narito elaborated on why Jomblang Cave was chosen for the training.
“Jomblang Cave is relatively safe and well-managed for caving activities, allowing participants to focus on learning in a controlled environment. It also offers a challenging experience, making it ideal for caving, rigging, and vertical exploration training,” added Narito.
In the future, the instructor candidates must complete one more level of advanced training before they can be declared potential leaders and qualified to train other members. Conducting training in realistic environments is part of PLANTAGAMA’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education.
Author: Hanita Athasari Zain & Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Photos: PLANTAGAMA Documentation