SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially recognized the Kebumen Geopark in Central Java and the Meratus Geopark in South Kalimantan as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGG) network.

According to a written statement by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, this recognition was confirmed during the 221st Session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris, France.

With this addition, the number of geoparks in Indonesia that are listed as UGG has now reached 12.

Previously recognized geoparks include Batur (Bali), Belitong (Bangka Belitung), Ciletuh (West Java), Gunung Sewu (Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java), Ijen (East Java), Maros Pangkep (South Sulawesi), Merangin (Jambi), Raja Ampat (Southwest Papua), Rinjani (Lombok), and Toba Caldera (North Sumatra).

According to the statement, as quoted on Antara, “UGG status gives responsibility to geoparks to preserve, manage sustainably, and promote geological and cultural wealth.”

The statement also said that this status “becomes a mandate for Indonesia to strengthen its commitment to nature conservation, local community empowerment, and global education, as well as concrete proof of Indonesia's contribution to preserving Earth's heritage.”

Earlier, 58 member states of the UNESCO Executive Board, including Indonesia, unanimously approved 16 new geopark nominations proposed by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council during sessions held in September and December 2024.

Among the newly proposed geoparks were Mt. Paektu Geopark in North Korea and North Riyadh Geopark in Saudi Arabia.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas