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THE MINISTRY of Tourism and Creative Economy is optimistic that Geopark Ijen, located in Banyuwangi, East Java, can be upgraded to a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) status.
According to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno at the Banyuwangi Regent’s Office, East Java, Monday (6/6) said we encourage Banyuwangi to become a tourism destination through increasing tourism added value and also increasing the length of visit and higher tourist spending with the stipulation of Ijen. as UGG.
“The development of Banyuwangi tourism specifically relies on 4 leading tourist attractions, namely the Ijen Natural Park Area, Alas Purwo National Park, Meru Betiri National Park, and Baluran National Park,” he said.
If Geropark Ijen is designated as UGG, it will complement the previous UGGs in Indonesia such as Geopark Batur in 2012, Geopark Gunung Sewu in 2015, Geopark Cileteuh in 2018, Geopark Rinjani in 2018, Geopark Caldera Toba in 2020, and Geopark Belitung in 2020.
“I hope that all parties support the establishment of Ijen as a world earth park. Because apart from Ijen, this year there will be Geoparks whose status will be upgraded, such as the Maros Pangkep Geopark in South Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, and Merangin Jambi,” he stated.
As is known, the criteria for geopark assessment to become a UNESCO Global Geopark include 35% geology and landscape (territorial, geo-conservation, natural and cultural heritage), 25% management structure or management, 15% interpretation and environmental education, 15% geotourism, and 10% sustainable regional economic development.
“My hope is that we can all work together to develop the Ijen Geopark and together we can realize quality and sustainable tourism, especially in Banyuwangi Regency,” he concluded. [traveltext.id]
