Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat begins UNESCO Global Geopark verification

Samarinda, E Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The National Geopark team has officially launched a field verification of the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Geopark to assess the eligibility of the karst area for submission as a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG).

The site is the first geopark in East Kalimantan, centered around an ancient giant tropical karst landscape. It spans nearly two million hectares across the East Kutai and Berau regencies.

Mega Fatimah Rosana, a member of the verification team as well as the Dean of the Faculty of Geological Engineering at Padjadjaran University (Unpad), stated here on Monday that the team will evaluate the landscape over five days, from July 6 to 10, 2026.

She emphasized that the core principle of geopark development is the safeguarding of geological, natural, and cultural heritage.

"The main point is to ensure this area is well-protected. While (the development of sustainable) tourism is the ultimate goal, the protection of geological, natural, and cultural heritage must remain the top priority," she noted.

Rosana explained that the verification team will verify field conditions against the documents prepared by the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Geopark Management Agency.

The findings from the field assessment will later be discussed in inter-ministerial meetings.

In addition to academia, the verification team comprises representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Geological Survey Center, and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).

Head of the Geological Heritage and Geopark Working Team at the ESDM Ministry's Geological Agency Aries Kusworo stated that the verification process also serves as an evaluation platform to improve governance.

"If there is any aspect that needs to be improved, we will make adjustments so that the management of the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Geopark continues to improve," Kusworo said.

He expressed hope that the geopark would follow in the footsteps of the Meratus Geopark in South Kalimantan, which has already been included in the UGG network.

During the verification process, the team will visit several geosites to observe the area's current condition, management practices, community involvement, and ongoing conservation efforts.

East Kalimantan Provincial Secretary Sri Wahyuni highlighted the area's major strengths, including its rich geological heritage, biodiversity, and local cultural values. Hence, the regional government is committed to sustainably preserving the area.

She also described the field verification as a strategic momentum to demonstrate the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Geopark's readiness for UNESCO Global Geopark status. The East Kalimantan Provincial Government hopes that collaboration between the government, academics, and the community will not only earn UNESCO recognition but also deliver tangible benefits to local residents' welfare through sustainable tourism.

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Translator: Arumanto, Uyu Liman

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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