Banjarmasin, S Kalimatan (ANTARA) - Governor of South Kalimantan H Muhidin directly received the Meratus Geopark charter with a new status as UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in Paris, France, Monday (June 2, 2025).
He was with Indonesian Ambassador to France Mohamad Oemar and also accompanied by Daily Chairperson of the Meratus Geopark Management Agency (BPGM) Hanifah Dwi Nirwana, who now serves as Ministry of Environment's Expert Staff for Inter-Institutional Relations Center and Regions or the Indonesian Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), informed the South Kalimantan's Administration Bureau of Leadership (Adpim), Tuesday.
Meratus Geopark had officially been recognized as the UGGp during the 221st Session of the UNESCO Executive Board, held in Paris, France, from April 2 to 17.
With this latest recognition, Indonesia now has 12 geoparks included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
Related news: Meratus Geopark officially recognized as UNESCO Global Geopark
Previously, Indonesia has already Batur, Belitong, Ciletuh, Mount Sewu, Ijen, Maros Pangkep, Merangin Jambi, Raja Ampat, Rinjani Lombok, and Toba Caldera Geoparks that have been recognized by the world.
"Today we are in Paris, June 2, 2025. We receive Meratus Geopark certificate and there are about 16 (states) receive (UGGp), Indonesia receives two, Kebumen Geopark (Central Java) and Meratus Geopark (South Kalimantan). This UNESCO charter is the first phase, there will be homework we have to work out together," said the Governor after the ceremony.
This is related to progress of Meratus Geopark in the future. The Governor said there will be a lot of works to do to meet the requirements. The following days will be a new step for Meratus Geopark Management Agency (BPGM).
The UGGp status, he emphasized, is recognized by foreign countries in the world. He had talked with Ambassador Mohamad Oemar who said that Meratus Geopark must be promoted abroad as a tourism area, and can even become a host for itself.
"He said we have to introduce ourselves to the outside world, because Meratus Geopark must be the host for the future," he concluded.
Read also: Preserving river culture in Lok Baintan
During the Meratus Geopark presentation session, Hanifah Dwi Nirwana introduced a number of tourist attractions, such as the Banjar traditional Bumbungan Tinggi or house with high-roof and tapers upward, floating markets, Meratus mountains, and various resources in Banua or the region.
Outside the event room, Goveror H Muhidin was seen introducing South Kalimantan's special food exhibited at the event, such as Aranio Coffee, cinnamon, and various local snacks.
Meratus Geopark has 54 sites divided into four routes, West, North, East, and South. The West route for instance, 85 km long has the Lok Baintan floating market, Wasaka Museum, traditional village of Sasiringan, Sasirangan Floating Gallery, Banjar Customary House, Kembang Island, Sewangi traditional shipbuilding, coal barge view, and Proboscis Monkey Conservation on Curiak Island.
The 188.15 km North Route has 14 sites with the theme Following the Wind Sound Towards Wonders of Meratus Dayaks. Here we found Sekis stone of Sei Kambang, Matang Kaladan Panoramic, Riam Kanan Dam, Tiwingan Hill landslide trail, Riam Kanan Lake fisheriesa, Tebing Lake Stilt House, Ulin Island.
Then there are the Undersea Ancient Volcano, Bekantan Island, Pine Island, Sirang Island Archaeological Site, Ba'ah Silent Witness Tree, Belangian Village, Kahung Tropical Rainforest, Sunken Sacred Tomb, Sunken Settlement, and Diamond-Bearing Sandstone.
The South Route is around 67.44 km with 14 sites. Here, there are Tropical Rainforest Park, purun or sedge grass crafts, Traditional Herbal Medicine Village, Lambung Mangkurat Museum, Geopark Information Center, Orchid Conservation Park, 16 Endemic Animal Habituation.
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Related news: UNESCO team reviews Meratus Geopark for UGGp status
