Indonesia Adds Two New UNESCO Global Geoparks, Totaling 12

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesia has proudly added two more sites—Kebumen in Central Java and Meratus in South Kalimantan—to its growing list of UNESCO Global Geoparks. This recognition was officially announced at the 221st Session of the UNESCO Executive Board, held in Paris from April 2 to 17, 2025.

According to Antara News Agency, during this session, 16 new geoparks from 11 countries were endorsed by all 58 member states, including Indonesia, following recommendations from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council. With the inclusion of Kebumen and Meratus, Indonesia now boasts 12 geoparks that are part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

 

These geoparks are not only places of stunning natural beauty but also hold significant geological, ecological, and cultural value. The 12 Indonesian geoparks recognized by UNESCO are:

1. Batur (Bali) – Home to an active volcano and a scenic caldera lake.
2. Belitong (Bangka Belitung Islands) – Known for its unique granite rock formations and biodiversity.
3. Ciletuh (West Java) – Features ancient rock formations dating back millions of years.
4. Gunung Sewu (Yogyakarta-East Java) – A karst landscape with over 40,000 caves.
5. Ijen (East Java) – Famous for its turquoise acidic crater lake and blue fire phenomena.
6. Maros Pangkep (South Sulawesi) – A vast karst region with prehistoric cave paintings.
7. Merangin Jambi (Sumatra) – Renowned for fossil forests and rich biodiversity.
8. Raja Ampat (West Papua) – World-renowned marine biodiversity hotspot.
9. Rinjani Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara) – Dominated by Mount Rinjani, a sacred volcano.
10. Toba Caldera (North Sumatra) – One of the world’s largest volcanic calderas.
11. Kebumen (Central Java) – New addition, known for geological formations and fossil sites.
12. Meratus (South Kalimantan) – Also newly added, showcasing rich biodiversity and indigenous culture.

Ambassador Mohamad Oemar, Indonesia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, emphasized that this global recognition not only enhances the country’s international profile but also brings a responsibility to preserve and manage these sites sustainably. He highlighted how geoparks contribute to community development, education, and environmental conservation.

Indonesia’s participation in the Global Geoparks Network reflects its commitment to protecting Earth's geological heritage while empowering local communities through tourism and education initiatives. As a nation of over 17,000 islands with diverse geological features, Indonesia has the potential to develop even more geoparks in the future.

Through ongoing cooperation with UNESCO and local stakeholders, Indonesia continues to promote the value of its natural wonders on the global stage, reinforcing its role as a steward of world heritage.