RRI.CO.ID, Lombok – The West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing conservation in managing the Rinjani Geopark area on Lombok Island. The initiative seeks to balance environmental protection with economic development.

West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal emphasized that the Rinjani area is a world heritage site with significant ecological, geological, and cultural value.

“Rinjani is not just a tourist destination. It is an identity, a source of life, and a world heritage site that must be protected without compromise,” Iqbal said on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

As a concrete step, the provincial administration inaugurated the Rinjani Geopark Information Center in Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, on May 2, 2026. The facility functions as an integrated data and knowledge hub for geology, history, culture, and community life in the Rinjani area.

The narrative of the Mount Samalas eruption, which impacted the global climate, has reinforced Rinjani Geopark’s position as a global natural laboratory. The local administration stressed that its management policies aim not only to maintain UNESCO Global Geopark status but also to improve conservation‑based governance.

Governor Iqbal added that communities surrounding the area must play a central role in development while safeguarding environmental sustainability. This approach is expected to generate sustainable prosperity while preserving the region’s identity.

Rinjani Geopark, which encompasses more than 20 geosites across several regencies, is considered to have great potential as a global learning center and sustainable destination. Its UNESCO Green Card status for the 2026–2030 period reflects West Nusa Tenggara’s success in maintaining a balance between conservation and economic growth.

The Rinjani Geopark Management Agency is also working to strengthen the regional economy by developing tourist villages, hosting international events, and empowering local MSMEs.

General Manager Qwadru Putro Wicaksono noted that superior local products, such as woven fabrics and traditional culinary specialties, form part of the value chain that directly benefits communities.

These efforts are expected to establish Rinjani Geopark as a model for conservation‑based area management that delivers economic value without losing its identity. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)