Ancient rocks of Meratus Geopark

Nur Arif Nugroho, also a geologist at BPGM, expounded that the ancient rocks are called braccias in geology.

The elongated cliffs seen in Tiwingan Baru Village are called Paau formation in metrology.

"These rocks are very interesting to study further," he said.

These rocks are rare elsewhere. Their historical value makes the Meratus Mountains special.

Baca juga: Gubernur Kalsel Terima Sertifikat UNESCO Global Geopark Meratus dari UNESCO


Fertile land

The presence of rocks from the Ancient Undersea Volvano does not make the surrounding land barrent, instead it makes the land fertile.

People living in Tiwingan Baru many of them even cultivate gardens on the rocky hillside, growing both vegetables and fruit.

Head of Tiwingan Baru Village Rudiansyah said the area designated as the Ancient Undersea Volcano site is fertile, despite its numerous rocky outcrops and mounds.

Villagers already aware of several Geopark Meratus sites in their area, not only the Ancient Undersea Volcano but also Pulau Pinus (Pine Island).

They maintain the preservation of these sites, as they do not hinder their gardening, farming dan livestock raising.

Numerous fruit, such as durian, manggo, cempedak (small jackfruit) and others can be seen in Tiwingan Baru Village. The trees grow large, even among the rocks.

People houses are commonly stilt houses are actually built around large rocks, as if they cannot be moved.

"The rock if we hit with a hammer it only breaks the skin, cannot be split, very hard like iron rock," said Rudiansyah.

Baca juga: Menjaga budaya sungai di Lok Baintan