Dr. Rer. Nat. Eko Kusratmoko, M.S. – The underlying factors contributing to landslides along the banks of the Ciliwung River
[KOMPAS TV | 16/03/2026]
The Tropical Landscape Dynamics research cluster focuses on a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between tropical climate, landforms (geomorphology), hydrological systems, including soils, and their impacts on landscape evolution and sustainability in tropical regions.
This research cluster will conduct research to address the challenges of environmental degradation, climate uncertainty, and pressure on natural resources, using an interdisciplinary and systems-based approach.
The Challange
The Indonesian tropical region is confronting increasingly complex and pressing environmental challenges. The dynamics of tropical environmental processes—encompassing climate, water, soil, and landscapes—are under immense pressure. Massive land use and land cover changes, coupled with the uncertainties induced by climate change, have triggered widespread environmental degradation. The impacts are evident in the increasing frequency of hydrometeorological hazards such as floods and landslides, droughts during the dry season, and the declining quality of both soil and water. Furthermore, the intricate climate–soil–water interactions remain poorly understood, particularly in assessing the vulnerability of tropical environments. At the landscape level, the form and function of tropical watersheds are disrupted, affecting water and sediment flows, which ultimately threatens water security and land productivity. The complexity and interconnectedness of these challenges demand a holistic and integrated understanding that sectoral approaches alone cannot provide.
Our Solution
In response to these challenges, the Tropical Landscape Dynamics research cluster was established as a platform to develop science-based solutions through an interdisciplinary and integrated systems approach. Our research foci are designed to directly address these pressing issues:
Studying on the dynamics of tropical environmental processes: climate, water, soil, and landscapes as an impact of landuse/landcover and climate change.
Exploring the interrelationships between rainfall, soil, and surface water to understand the vulnerability of tropical environments
Focusing on the form and function of tropical watersheds, including water and sediment flow, in the context of landuse/landcover and climate change.
Dr. Rer. Nat. Eko Kusratmoko, M.S. – The underlying factors contributing to landslides along the banks of the Ciliwung River
[KOMPAS TV | 16/03/2026]
Dr. Rer. Nat. Eko Kusratmoko, M.S., was interviewed as a physical geography expert by the Kompas TV team to explain and provide insight into the underlying causes of recurrent landslides along the banks of the Ciliwung River.
The discussion addressed whether these events are solely triggered by high river discharge and extreme weather conditions, or whether the pressure exerted by densely built structures along the riverbanks also contributes to accelerating soil structural degradation.
The interview was broadcast on the DIPO INVESTIGASI program on Kompas TV in the episode titled “Alarm Bahaya di Bantaran Jakarta” on March 16, 2026.
