Dissemination of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) Investigation Results as a Landslide Mitigation Measure in the Batu Panggal Area, Samarinda

Batu Panggal is an area in Loa Bakung Subdistrict, Samarinda, that has been repeatedly hit by landslides. The hilly morphology, high rainfall, and residential activities increase the vulnerability of this area to disasters. The main challenges faced by the community are the limited scientific information regarding subsurface conditions and the low capacity of residents to understand the causes of landslides and science-based mitigation measures. This Community Service Program aimed to enhance community understanding through the dissemination of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) geophysical survey results by utilizing a method traditionally employed for technical investigations as a science-based disaster education and risk communication tool for the community. The activity was conducted through presentations, discussions, and questionnaire-based evaluations to assess the community’s level of understanding and perception regarding the application of the ERT method for landslide management in Batu Panggal. The materials presented included the causes of landslides, the working principles of the ERT method, the interpretation of ERT survey results, and recommendations for landslide mitigation in the Batu Panggal area. The ERT survey results revealed the presence of low-resistivity zones (<50 ohm.m), indicating water-saturated layers and potential slip surfaces that may act as triggering factors for landslides. Questionnaire results showed that 100% of participants had no prior knowledge of the ERT method before the activity was conducted. However, after the dissemination session, all participants (100%) agreed that the ERT method could support landslide prevention and mitigation measure.. Furthermore, 59% of participants considered the ERT method beneficial, while 41% rated it as highly beneficial for landslide mitigation in their area. This activity successfully enhanced community understanding of the use of geophysical data in disaster mitigation and strengthened collaboration among universities, local government authorities, and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in promoting sustainable disaster risk reduction efforts.