TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government is seeking to include the Kebumen Geopark in the UNESCO Global Geopark and Regional Networks. Kebumen is currently in the evaluation phase, which will be followed by a testing phase by the UNESCO Global Geopark Testing Team.

In May 2023, four more Indonesian geoparks were inscribed in the UNESCO Global Geopark or UGG, bringing the total to 10. The following are 10 geoparks in Indonesia recognized by UNESCO.

1. Raja Ampat Geopark

Located in West Papua, right on the equator, Raja Ampat is world famous for its extraordinary geological conditions, so its geological history is recognized by the world. The oldest rocks in Raja Ampat are 439 to 360 million years old, which is one-tenth the age of the Earth.

2. Maros Pangkep Geopark

Maros Pangkep Geopark is located in South Sulawesi. It is the second largest karst area after South China. The diversity of flora, fauna and geological conditions in Maros Pangkep is characterized by hundreds of caves once inhabited by prehistoric man. It is also home to millions of butterfly species found in the Maros Pangkep environment.

3. Merangin Geopark

Merangin Geopark in Jambi has unique flora fossils with the same name as its province, Jambi. It is a plant fossil found in a rock formation that is 296 million years old. The Jambi plant fossil is also the world's only exposed plant fossil.

4. Ijen Geopark

Ijen Geopark in East Java is famous for its natural wonders, volcanic landscape, unique geological formations and cultural heritage. It includes Mount Ijen, a stratovolcano with a turquoise crater lake known as Kawah Ijen, the most acidic lake in the world, and the Belambangan Biosphere Reserve.

5. Batur Geopark

Batur Geopark in Bali is Indonesia's first geopark to be recognized by the UNESCO Global Geopark Network. Like Ijen Geopark, Batur Geopark is associated with a volcano, Mount Batur, which is still active today. The massive eruption of Mount Batur had formed a double caldera and an ancient lake, which is now a natural treasure of its environment.

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6. BelitongGeopark

Belitong Geopark is located in Bangka Belitung. It is unique for its flora and fauna, which are quite rare and can only be found in the Bangka Belitung area, namely the Toman fish and the Kampala fish. The geological condition of Belitong Geopark can be seen from the TOR granites, which formed numerous islets that visitors can visit by boat.

7. Ciletuh Geopark

Ciletuh Geopark is an area in West Java that has an alluvial plain. The tourist areas of this geopark are also quite famous, such as the beach which is a favorite of world surfers, Ancient Park, Awang Waterfall, and Panenjoan Hill.

8. Mount Sewu Geopark

Gunung Sewu Geopark in Yogyakarta is located in three different regions: Gunung Kidul, Wonogiri and Pacitan. The geological collection owned by this geopark is also quite extensive, with cultural heritage dating back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras.

9. Rinjani Lombok Geopark

Located in West Nusa Tenggara, Rinjani Lombok Geopark is rich in endemic flora and fauna. Parts of the geopark cover half of the island of Lombok, including Mataram City, West Lombok Regency, North Lombok Regency to East Lombok Regency. The vast size of Rinjani Lombok Geopark allows it to have a wide variety of regions and cultures.

10. Toba Caldera Geopark

The Toba Caldera Geopark in North Sumatra has a unique reason for being recognized by the UGG. The area is considered to have a developing creative economic environment and good tourism facilities. In addition, this geopark is home to majestic sceneries and stunning biodiversity.

ADINDA ALYA IZDIHAR | MELINDA KUSUMA NINGRUM | ANDIKA DWI

Editor's Choice: Ijen Geopark Officially Joins UNESCO Global Geopark Network

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