West Sumatra Integrates Geoparks to Boost International Tourism

RRI.CO.ID, Kota Padang - West Sumatra is positioning itself as a premier destination for specialized travel by integrating the Mentawai and Silokek Geoparks into a comprehensive tourism package designed to captivate global audiences. The provincial administration views these sites not merely as conservation areas, but as the cornerstone of a new comprehensive tourism strategy that blends education, research, and high-end adventure.

Speaking in Padang on Thursday, May 7, 2026, West Sumatra Tourism Agency Head, Lila Yanwar, emphasized the strategic development of these geoparks. She conveyed that they are the definitive answer for travelers seeking immersive educational and scientific experiences within the Ranah Minang region.

The province is currently pinning its hopes on the Silokek Geopark in Sijunjung Regency, which has emerged as a formidable Indonesian candidate currently undergoing international evaluation for the prestigious UNESCO Global Geopark designation in 2026.

This region, carved along the Batang Kuantan River, features a dramatic karst landscape that includes limestone cliffs, deep canyons, and prehistoric caves formed over millions of years.

"The canyon landscapes shaped by the erosion of the Batang Kuantan River serve as both a visual spectacle and a primary object for geological and geomorphological research," noted Lila Yanwar, as quoted by Antara.

Silokek’s geological diversity is anchored by its unique karst formations and geosites, including natural caves adorned with intricate stalactites and stalagmites that provide a window into the ancient tectonic history of Sumatra. This scientific wealth gives Silokek a comparative and competitive advantage as a hub for conservation-based tourism.

Beyond its physical beauty, the administration envisions the geopark as an engine for regional prosperity, utilizing sustainable tourism and community empowerment to stimulate the local economy while maintaining rigorous environmental standards.

The provincial vision extends to a synergistic relationship with the Mentawai Geopark. Lila explained that if Silokek secures UNESCO status and Mentawai achieves national recognition, the two will form a powerful tourism duo capable of attracting a new wave of international visitors.

This ambitious trajectory is expected to draw significant support from the central government, particularly the Public Works Ministry, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, and educational ministries. Ultimately, these geoparks are projected to serve as the primary gateway for foreign tourists entering West Sumatra, delivering a direct and substantial impact on economic growth at both the regional and national levels. ***