Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Two geoparks in Indonesia, Kebumen in Central Java and Meratus in South Kalimantan, have officially been designated as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGs) network. The inclusion brings the total number of UNESCO-recognized geoparks in Indonesia to 12.
The decision was unanimously adopted by representatives from 58 member states during the 221st session of UNESCO’s Executive Board in Paris, held from April 2–17, 2025.
The addition of the two Indonesian geoparks follows nominations submitted and discussed during the UNESCO Geopark Council Sessions in September and December 2024. This year, a total of 16 new geoparks from 11 countries were awarded the UNESCO Global Geopark status.
Other newly designated geoparks in 2025 include Kanbula and Yunyang (China), Mount Paektu (North Korea), Napo Sumaco and Tungurahua (Ecuador), Mur (Italy), Fjord Coast (Norway), Danyang and Gyeongbuk (South Korea), Salma and North Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Costa Quebrada (Spain), Arran (United Kingdom), and Lang Son (Vietnam).
With this recognition, the number of Indonesian sites included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks list has risen to 12, following the earlier designation of ten other geoparks across the country.
Indonesia’s full list of UNESCO Global Geoparks now includes:
- Batur Geopark (Bali)
- Belitong Geopark (Bangka Belitung)
- Ciletuh Geopark (West Java)
- Gunung Sewu Geopark (Yogyakarta, Central Java, East Java)
- Ijen Geopark (East Java)
- Maros Pangkep Geopark (South Sulawesi)
- Merangin Jambi Geopark (Jambi)
- Raja Ampat Geopark (West Papua)
- Rinjani Lombok Geopark (West Nusa Tenggara)
- Toba Caldera Geopark (North Sumatra)
- Kebumen Geopark (Central Java)
- Meratus Geopark (South Kalimantan)
UNESCO Global Geoparks are unified geographical areas of international geological significance, managed through a holistic approach that emphasizes conservation, education, and sustainable development. The designation is seen as a key opportunity to bolster local economies through sustainable tourism and community-based education.
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Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the recognition, calling it an acknowledgment of the country’s rich geological heritage and cultural diversity, as well as a testament to its commitment to sustainable regional management.
“The UNESCO Global Geopark designation held by these 12 sites represents a responsibility to preserve, sustainably manage, and promote Indonesia’s geological and cultural wealth,” the ministry said in an official statement on Tuesday, April 15.
Officials stressed that the designation is more than symbolic, it carries strategic significance for Indonesia, particularly in environmental protection, local community empowerment, and enhancing global awareness of geological heritage.
(Raidi/Agung)
