Revitalizing Toba Caldera Geopark: Indonesia's Push to Reclaim The Status

TheIndonesia.co - The Indonesian government is actively working to improve the management and supporting infrastructure of the Toba Caldera Geopark in North Sumatra after receiving a "yellow card" warning from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The yellow card, issued during a UNESCO Global Geoparks meeting in Morocco in September 2023, indicates that the site fell short in several key management criteria and lacked adequate visitor facilities.

According to Antara News Agency, Hariyanto, Deputy for Destination and Infrastructure Development at the Ministry of Tourism, the government is currently drafting a comprehensive site plan for the Toba Caldera Geopark.

This planning is being coordinated by the Toba Caldera UNESCO Global Geopark Management Body in collaboration with the North Sumatra Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Office.

For 2024, the central government has allocated approximately IDR 56.6 billion (around USD 3.5 million) in special funds to develop tourism infrastructure, particularly amenities and attractions across both coastal and inland nature-based tourism zones within the geopark. These improvements will span eight regencies surrounding the iconic Lake Toba, Southeast Asia’s largest volcanic lake.

One of the key priorities is enhancing the visibility and identity of the geopark itself. Efforts will include constructing a grand entrance gate, symbolic totems, and interpretive signage at strategic geosites—beginning with the Silalahi Geosite in Sabungan, Dairi Regency.

To support long-term credibility and management standards, the Ministry of Tourism and the geopark's governing body are also organizing an international seminar on the Toba Caldera UNESCO Global Geopark.

Scheduled for June 26th, 2025, this event will bring together leading geologists and cultural scholars, including Prof. Mega Fatimah Rosana, Ph.D., Ananto K. Seta, Ph.D. (Indonesia), and Prof. Ibrahim Komo, Ph.D. (Malaysia). The seminar is part of preparations for the park’s next UNESCO revalidation phase.

Why the Yellow Card?

UNESCO’s decision stemmed from several critical issues. Evaluators found a lack of integrated collaboration among stakeholders, limited community involvement in educational and sustainable tourism activities, and inconsistent information standards across geosites. Facilities at many locations were also judged to be underdeveloped and poorly maintained.

Additionally, UNESCO highlighted the need for:

• Continuous scientific research at geological sites
• Stronger inter-institutional cooperation
• Expanded public education about geological, biological, and cultural aspects of the region
• More active participation by the management body in international forums

Hariyanto acknowledged that fulfilling these expectations—especially participation in international events such as the upcoming 2025 meeting in Chile—requires significant funding. Likewise, sending local representatives to regular training sessions in Morocco, Greece, France, and Japan adds to the financial burden.

A National Commitment to Conservation and Tourism

Despite the challenges, both national and regional governments are committed to regaining UNESCO’s green card—a signal of compliance and good standing. The provincial government has instructed local agencies to prioritize improvements in management, conservation, and community empowerment in line with UNESCO's recommendations.

"Regional governments around Lake Toba have already recognized the importance of synergy in maintaining our UNESCO Global Geopark status," Hariyanto stated. "They’ve pledged to accelerate improvements across all necessary areas."

Toba Caldera Geopark is not alone in its yellow card status. In 2023, other geoparks facing similar warnings included Zhijindong Cave in China, the Luberon Regional Nature Park in France, Madonie in Italy, and Colca y Volcanes de Andagua in Peru.

A Travel-Wise Note for Visitors

For travellers planning a visit to North Sumatra, the revitalization of Toba Caldera Geopark promises a richer, more immersive experience in the years ahead. As new attractions are developed and interpretive materials enhanced, visitors will gain deeper insight into the region’s extraordinary geology, diverse culture, and volcanic legacy.

By 2025, the area aims to offer not just natural beauty, but an exemplary model of sustainable tourism—where education, conservation, and community engagement come together to create lasting value.