On August 17, 2023, the Matalabiogama team, along with students from SMAN 1 Wonosari, Matalabiogama alumni Edi Dwi Atmaja, S.Si., M.Psi., and other nature enthusiasts, held a flag-raising ceremony at Ngeleng Cave, Munthuk Hamlet, Mulusan Village, Paliyan District, Gunung Kidul Regency. This ceremony was conducted again after a gap of three years. Members of Matalabiogama gathered at the Faculty of Biology at 06:00 AM to depart together for Ngeleng cave. After a 2-hour journey, they arrived at the meeting point near Ngeleng cave at 09:00 AM. All ceremony participants continued their journey to Ngeleng cave on foot, which took approximately 20 minutes. Upon reaching the cave’s entrance, the Pawana Ekamas members (nature-loving students of SMAN 1 Wonosari) began preparing for the flag-raising and all arrangements for the ceremony. The ceremony commenced at 10:00 AM and proceeded smoothly and solemnly. After approximately 30 minutes, the ceremony concluded. Members of Matalabiogama and Pawana Ekamas then prepared for cave exploration.
The cave exploration team was divided into two groups. The first team consisted of Matalabiogama members led by Edi, while the second team comprised Pawana Ekamas members. During the cave exploration, Matalabiogama members encountered various cave fauna such as cave crickets, millipedes, cave spiders, bats, and others. The cave exploration activity lasted for 2 hours.
After the cave exploration, Matalabiogama members prepared to return to the Faculty of Biology UGM. The flag-raising ceremony and cave exploration activities serve as positive endeavors that foster nationalism among the participants, regardless of their location. Additionally, the cave exploration activity is expected to become a regular practice to enhance the skills of Matalabiogama members.
