Indonesia Targets 17 UNESCO Global Geoparks by 2029

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The government is targeting 17 Indonesian areas for recognition as UNESCO Global Geoparks by 2029. To achieve this, the Ministry of Tourism is urging geopark managers across the country to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming revalidation process and to submit new geopark proposals.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) revalidation and Aspiring UGGp validation in 2026 represent strategic momentum to strengthen Indonesia’s position within the global geopark network.

She explained that geoparks are not only tourist destinations but also ecosystems that integrate conservation, education, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism development.

“Geoparks are interconnected ecosystems that maintain a balance between conservation, education, community empowerment, and responsible tourism development,” Minister Widiyanti said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday, March 6, 2026, as quoted on the ministry’s official website.

Minieter Widiyanti outlined three main roles of geoparks in national tourism development: as nature- and science-based destinations, as drivers of local economies, and as models of sustainable tourism that combine conservation with community welfare.

She said this development aligns with government policy to build high-quality, sustainable, and globally competitive tourism destinations.

The minister emphasized that UNESCO Global Geopark status is not merely international recognition but also reflects Indonesia’s commitment to managing its geological, cultural, and biodiversity heritage sustainably. “The revalidation process must be interpreted as a comprehensive evaluation of governance quality, program effectiveness, and cross-sector synergies that have been built thus far,” she said.

To prepare for this process, the Ministry of Tourism held an online coordination meeting on March 5, 2026, to align the steps of stakeholders, including local administrations, geopark managers, and relevant institutions.

These efforts are in line with the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan, which emphasizes the importance of developing quality and sustainable tourism.

Minister Widiyanti added that with strong collaboration between the central government, regional administrations, and area managers, Indonesia is optimistic about maintaining the “green card” status for UNESCO-recognized geoparks. The government is also encouraging aspiring geoparks, such as Bojonegoro and Ranah Minang Silokek, to accelerate their applications for global recognition.

“Through solid cooperation, we are optimistic about maintaining the status of registered geoparks and encouraging new geoparks to gain recognition as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network,” Minister Widiyanti said. ***