PARI ISLAND – In an effort to align classroom theories with environmental realities, the Biology Study Program of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta successfully organized a field trip for the Animal Systematics course. This off-campus academic expedition took place over three days, from May 8 to 10, 2026, centered around the conservation and coastal areas of Pari Island, Thousand Islands. The field trip was comprehensively designed to provide students with hands-on experience in recognizing, classifying, and identifying faunal diversity directly within their natural habitats.

The first day of this scientific adventure commenced with an intensive focus on the Pisces (fish) class. Students received rigorous briefing and hands-on practice regarding morphometric and meristic fish identification techniques. This session was mentored directly by Ashma Hanifa, M.Si., an expert practitioner and the Founder of the Elasmobranchi Project Indonesia. Under her professional guidance, students learned to measure fish body proportions (morphometrics) and precisely count specific anatomical features such as fin rays and scales (meristics) to accurately determine fish species. The practical dynamic then shifted to the terrestrial and coastal zones, where students observed the Mammalia and Aves (birds) classes by exploring mangrove vegetation using binocular telescopes.

On the second day, the research focus transitioned toward the quantitative analysis of marine and terrestrial ecosystem biodiversity. The morning session began with marine biota observation utilizing the Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method. Equipped with snorkeling gear and underwater writing boards, students deployed a 50-meter transect line to meticulously record live coral cover, dead coral, algae, and associated marine organisms in Pari Island's waters. Towards the afternoon, the activity moved landward to examine soil macrofauna through the hand-sorting method. By carefully excavating designated soil plots, students successfully identified various types of worms, soil insects, and other arthropods, gaining a profound understanding of the crucial role macrofauna plays in maintaining soil fertility and ecosystem nutrient cycles.