Indonesia Intensifies Collaboration for 2026 UNESCO Geopark Revalidation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is fast-tracking its preparations for the upcoming UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) revalidation, a high-stakes process that will determine the international status of the nation’s most significant geological sites. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana confirmed on Sunday, March 8, 2026, that the government is centralizing efforts to harmonize conservation, education, and community-based tourism to ensure Indonesia maintains its "Green Card" status.

The revalidation process is more than a formality; it serves as a global benchmark for Indonesia’s commitment to managing geological heritage and biodiversity. With the national development plan (RPJMN 2025–2029) targeting 17 UNESCO Global Geoparks by 2029, the 2026 validation cycle represents a critical milestone in establishing Indonesia as a world leader in sustainable "quality tourism."

Minister Widiyanti emphasized that geoparks are the cornerstone of the ministry’s shift toward responsible travel. These sites are designed to function as self-sustaining ecosystems where preservation directly fuels local economic growth.

“A geopark is a continuous ecosystem that maintains a balance between conservation, education, community empowerment, and responsible tourism development. Geoparks hold three main roles: as nature- and science-based tourist destinations, as drivers of the local community economy, and as a model for sustainable tourism development that integrates natural preservation with improving community welfare,” Minister Widiyanti explained, as quoted by Antara.

To streamline the process, the Ministry of Tourism held a high-level strategic coordination meeting on March 5 to synchronize timelines and roles across various regional governments. The focus is twofold: defending the current status of existing geoparks and securing new recognitions for rising candidates.

A major focus for 2026 includes the validation of the "Aspiring UGGp" candidates: Bojonegoro and Ranah Minang Silokek. Securing UNESCO recognition for these sites would significantly advance the government’s target of 17 recognized geoparks within the next three years.

“Therefore, the development of geoparks is very much in line with the policy direction of the Ministry of Tourism in building destinations that are high-quality, sustainable, and globally competitive,” Widiyanti added.

The Minister stressed that the revalidation requires absolute commitment from local authorities to maintain the high standards set by UNESCO. Failure to meet these criteria could result in a "Yellow Card" (probation) or loss of status, which would impact international tourism interest and funding.

“Through solid cooperation, we are optimistic that we can maintain the green card status for the listed geoparks and encourage Aspiring Geopark Bojonegoro and Ranah Minang Silokek to obtain recognition as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks this year,” Widiyanti concluded. ***