Indonesia Expands To 12 UNESCO Global Geoparks With Kebumen And Meratus, Fueling Tourism With Top Destinations Like Raja Ampat And Mount Rinjani - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Friday, April 18, 2025

Indonesia’s tourism scene has been further elevated with the recognition of Kebumen and Meratus as UNESCO Global Geoparks, bringing the total number of Indonesian geoparks to 12. This prestigious recognition not only highlights the country’s rich geological heritage but also significantly boosts its tourism appeal, attracting global visitors to iconic destinations such as Raja Ampat, Mount Rinjani, and Toba Caldera. The inclusion of these two new geoparks—Kebumen, known for its tectonic history, and Meratus, famous for its rare geological formations—adds to Indonesia’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainable tourism, with a focus on both conservation and education, ensuring these natural wonders continue to thrive for future generations.

UNESCO Recognizes Kebumen and Meratus as Global Geoparks

Indonesia has achieved another milestone as the United Nations cultural agency designated two of its geoparks, Kebumen and Meratus, as UNESCO Global Geoparks. This recognition was announced by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

New Additions to UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

These two geoparks are among the 16 new sites approved during the UNESCO Executive Board’s session held in Paris, France. The new designations highlight Indonesia’s continued commitment to preserving its unique geological and cultural heritage.

Kebumen Geopark: A Tectonic Treasure

Kebumen Geopark, located in the southern part of Central Java, spans approximately 1,100 square kilometers. It features a striking landscape of conical hills in the southwest and flat alluvial plains in the southeast. The geopark is renowned for its rich geological history, particularly its plate tectonic activity that dates back 119 million years.

Meratus Geopark: A Landscape of Valleys and Ophiolite

Meratus Geopark, covering 3,600 square kilometers in southern South Kalimantan, is celebrated for its natural beauty, including valleys, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and karst formations. The region is home to the Banjar and Dayak people. A standout feature of the geopark is the Meratus Mountains, known for their ophiolite—the exposed oceanic crust that is a rare geological formation worldwide. The Meratus Mountains hold the most complete and oldest ophiolite sequence in Indonesia.

What Makes a UNESCO Global Geopark?

UNESCO Global Geoparks are regions of international geological significance. To earn this status, these sites must be managed with a balanced approach that includes conservation, public outreach, and sustainable development practices. These parks aim to protect natural resources while promoting education and tourism.

Indonesia’s Expanding Network of Global Geoparks

With the inclusion of Kebumen and Meratus, Indonesia now boasts 12 UNESCO Global Geoparks. Other famous geoparks on the list include:

• Raja Ampat in Papua, celebrated for its underwater beauty
• Rinjani-Lombok Geopark in West Nusa Tenggara, home to the stunning Mount Rinjani and its Segara Anak crater lake
• Toba Caldera in North Sumatra
• Batur in Bali
• Ciletuh in West Java
• Ijen in East Java
• Belitung in the Bangka Belitung Islands
• Merangin in Jambi
• Maros-Pangkep in South Sulawesi
• Mount Sewu along the borders of three Java provinces

The Benefits of UNESCO Global Geopark Status

Achieving UNESCO Global Geopark status provides local communities with the opportunity to boost tourism and raise awareness about the value of preserving these natural wonders. The recognition brings both national and international attention, helping to support sustainable economic development in these areas.

Indonesia’s tourism gains a major boost with the recognition of Kebumen and Meratus as UNESCO Global Geoparks, bringing the country’s total to 12. This highlights Indonesia’s commitment to preserving its geological heritage while attracting global visitors to its iconic natural wonders.

Global Recognition for Other Countries

In addition to Indonesia, several other countries had their geoparks recognized this year. These include:

• Norway with its Fjord Coast
• Vietnam with Lang Son
• South Korea with Danyang and Gyeongbuk Donghaean
• North Korea with Mount Paektu
• Ecuador with Tungurahua Volcano and Napo Sumaco

Each of these sites contributes to the global network of UNESCO Global Geoparks, promoting the protection and sustainable management of unique geological landscapes worldwide.