Meratus Geopark: A New Frontier for Tourism Development in South Kalimantan

April 17, 2025 | 07:58 am

TEMPO.CO, Banjarmasin - Meratus Geopark, South Kalimantan (Kalsel), has been designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp). The status of Geopark Meratus was established concurrently with Geopark Kebumen in Central Java during the 221st Executive Board session of UNESCO in Paris, France, on April 2-17, 2025.

The Secretary of the Geopark Meratus and also the Expert Staff of the Ministry of Environment/Badan Pengendalian Lingkungan Hidup (KLH/BPLH) RI, Hanifah Dwi Nirwana, stated that this status is a source of pride for the people of South Kalimantan. According to her, there are significant opportunities for the advancement of tourism and the welfare of the people in South Kalimantan through international networking as Geopark Meratus has become a global part. However, she reminded to continue paying attention to cultural and environmental preservation.

"With the Geopark Meratus platform, of course, the economic aspect becomes a crucial target. Yet, how cultural and environmental preservation also becomes an important foundation for sustainable development," said Hanifah through a written statement received by Tempo in Banjarmasin on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

She congratulated the Geopark Meratus Management Agency, as well as the Governor of South Kalimantan, Muhidin, for their support in the development of Geopark Meratus.

Getting to Know Geopark Meratus

This area was designated as the National Geopark Meratus Mountains or GNPM on February 24, 2019. The GNPM includes 11 regencies/cities out of 13 regencies/cities in South Kalimantan. The areas that are not included in the GNPM are only Banjarmasin City and Barito Kuala Regency.

The Meratus Mountains themselves are about 200 million years old. In this geopark area, there are unique rock formations. In addition, Geopark Meratus also serves as home to endemic flora and fauna, including rare species such as Kalimantan orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and various exotic bird species. This makes the geopark not only a tourist destination but also a center for nature conservation.

12 UGGp Sites in Indonesia

With this designation, the number of UGGp-status geoparks in Indonesia reaches 12 sites, namely Batur Geopark, Belitong Geopark, Ciletuh Geopark, Gunung Sewu Geopark, Itjen Geopark, Maros Pangkep Geopark, Merangin Jambi Geopark, Raja Ampat Geopark, Rinjani Lombok Geopark, Toba Caldera Geopark, Kebumen Geopark, and Geopark Meratus.

Citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, a total of 58 member countries of the UNESCO Executive Board, including Indonesia, agreed to approve 16 new geopark proposals nominated as UNESCO Global Geoparks during the UNESCO Geopark Council session in September and December 2024.

Editor's Choice: Two Indonesian Geoparks Recognized by UNESCO

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