Minister Pushes Belitong Geopark Readiness for UNESCO Review

RRI.CO.ID, Belitung - Indonesia’s Tourism Minister, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, urged geopark managers and stakeholders to maximize preparations ahead of the Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) revalidation scheduled for 3-7 August 2026. She noted that Belitong has held UNESCO Global Geopark status since its designation during the 211th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris, France, in April 2021.

The Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark covers approximately 4,800 square kilometers of land and 13,000 square kilometers of marine territory, encompassing 24 geosites across Belitung Regency and East Belitung Regency. During its first revalidation on 15–20 July 2024, UNESCO assessors issued five recommendations and four suggestions, resulting in a Yellow Card assessment.

Speaking in Belitung on Sunday (5/7/2026), Widiyanti said the meeting should provide a clear picture of progress in addressing UNESCO’s recommendations. “...while identifying matters that still require support and acceleration from both the central and regional governments," she said.

As quoted by a press statement, the Ministry of Tourism identified several priorities requiring further improvement, including geopark institutional management, budget support, completion of necessary regulations, community readiness around geosites, and stronger interpretation and storytelling at every geosite. The ministry also affirmed the need to develop more focused promotion of the geopark as a tourism attraction.

She said that the Ministry of Tourism would continue providing assistance throughout the entire revalidation process. Support includes installing signs at priority geosites, organizing international seminars, producing bilingual information boards, using weather-resistant materials, updating the official geopark website, integrating weather warning links from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and continuing the Geopark Goes to School educational program.

The minister also stressed the importance of strengthening storytelling so visitors can fully understand Belitung’s geological, natural, cultural, and community heritage. She added that local communities must be well prepared because UNESCO assessors often interact directly with residents living near geosites during the evaluation process.

In addition, Widiyanti emphasized that every UNESCO recommendation must be addressed through concrete actions rather than administrative documentation alone, supported by strong governance and close coordination among regional governments, geopark managers, communities, tourism businesses, and local residents. She said the ultimate objective is for Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark to regain its Green Card while continuing to preserve geological heritage, strengthen education, and deliver sustainable economic and social benefits for surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, Belitung Regent, Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat, said the Belitung Regency Government remains committed to improving geopark management to restore its Green Card status and ensure long-term conservation. He also thanked the Tourism Minister for supporting the launch of direct international flights to Belitung, describing the achievement as the result of extensive collaboration among many parties.