RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Tourism is encouraging geopark managers and all stakeholders to optimally prepare for the various aspects required for the imminent revalidation of Indonesian Geoparks by UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp).

In a press release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Sunday, 8 March 2026, Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, stated that the UGGp revalidation and Aspiring UGGp validation process in 2026 represents a crucial and strategic momentum for Indonesia. She stated that Indonesian Geoparks are not merely tourism destinations, but ecosystems that unite various dimensions of sustainable development.

"Geoparks are interconnected ecosystems that maintain a balance between conservation, education, community empowerment, and responsible tourism development," Widiyanti conveyed.

She explained that geoparks have three primary roles in the development of the national tourism sector. First, they serve as nature- and science-based tourism destinations. Second, they serve as drivers of the local economy. Third, they serve as models for sustainable tourism development that integrate nature conservation with improving community welfare.

"Therefore, geopark development is closely aligned with the Ministry of Tourism's policy direction in developing quality, sustainable, and globally competitive destinations," she said.

Therefore, Widiyanti encourages local governments and relevant stakeholders to optimally prepare the UGGp and Aspiring UGGp 2026 validation processes. These efforts are also aligned with the direction of national tourism development.

According to her, UNESCO Global Geopark status is not merely a symbol or international recognition. It reflects Indonesia's commitment to sustainably managing geological, cultural, and biodiversity heritage while improving the welfare of communities surrounding the geopark area.

Therefore, the revalidation process must be interpreted as a comprehensive evaluation of the quality of governance, program effectiveness, and cross-sector synergies being built.