South Kalimantan Boosts ASEAN Tourism via Meratus Geopark

RRI.CO.ID, Banjarmasin - The UNESCO Global Geopark Meratus is set to become a focal point of regional development as the South Kalimantan Provincial Administration expands its tourism footprint within the ASEAN landscape.

By leveraging the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) framework, the province is positioning its natural heritage as a catalyst for broader economic and environmental integration. This strategic push centers on a cross-provincial alliance involving South Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, and Southwest Papua, creating a unified front to bolster the competitiveness of Eastern Indonesia.

Abdul Karim Zaidan, Head of the Cooperation and Partnership Section at the South Kalimantan Tourism Agency, emphasized that the collaboration is a deliberate move to synchronize regional strengths.

“The strengthening of cooperation is carried out across regions. The South Kalimantan Tourism Agency together with the South Sulawesi Provincial Administration and the Southwest Papua Provincial Administration is part of an effort to build synergy between regions in the eastern Indonesian region,” remarked Abdul in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantn, on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

As reported by Antara, The partnership extends beyond mere diplomacy, focusing on tangible outputs such as integrated travel packages and joint marketing initiatives designed to attract international travelers.

According to Abdul, the scope of the BIMP-EAGA framework covers the development of marketing strategies, the hosting of joint agendas, and the strengthening of the tourism industry through sustainable practices.

He noted that a primary strategic pillar is the synchronized development of geoparks across the three participating provinces, viewing these sites as more than just landmarks.

“The development of geoparks is a priority because it not only increases tourist attraction, but also encourages environmental conservation and local community empowerment,” he added.

By integrating the creative economy into this tourism blueprint, the provincial administration aims to ensure that local entrepreneurs and communities benefit directly. This approach guarantees that increased regional visibility translates into tangible gains for the local population.

The ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable collaborative model that elevates South Kalimantan’s tourism within national and ASEAN markets. This initiative simultaneously fuels grassroots economic growth through innovative and eco-conscious travel experiences. ***