Jakarta, IO – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has discovered 13 geosites in Kebumen, Central Java, that can potentially designated as Unesco Global Geopark. The proposal has been submitted by the Indonesian National Committee for Unesco (KNIU) to the UN agency which aims to promote world peace and security through cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.
“BRIN has also conducted an inventory in the Kebumen area. The inventory found 13 geosites of international value, there are five geosites belonging to BRIN that have international value, including Lava Bantal-Watu Kelir in Seboro, Rijang and red clay in Wagirsambeng, Columnar Joint Gunung Parang, and Numulites Limestone in Jatipak and Karangsambung,” said Chusni Ansori, researcher at BRIN Geological Resources Research Center, per Brin.go.id, Mon (5/7).
He explained that BRIN has a long history of research about Karangsambung, Kebumen and surrounding areas that can support the Kebumen Geopark to become a Unesco Global Geopark.
BRIN also helped formulate the dossier, theme, and work area of the Kebumen Geopark as a research and education geopark. Research conducted by BRIN includes the relationship between culture and geological parameters, geomorphosite assessments to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the benefits of geoparks.
“BRIN is also involved in developing the local economy, through the development of Tourism Villages, geotourism packages and home stays around Karangsambung,” said Chusni.
Previously, Unesco assessors Andreas Schuller from Vulkaneifel Geopark Germany and Sarina from Alxa Desert Geopark, Mongolia, had reviewed the Kebumen Geopark to assess the suitability of the dossier with field conditions.
Read: IBL 2024 Final: Pelita Jaya Jakarta Triumphs Over Satria Muda Pertamina
According to Chusni, who also serves as chairman of the Expert Council, the first aspect that will be reviewed is the international geoheritage significant value, networking, management body, visibility, and ongoing education.
Unesco assessors also highlighted the role of BRIN which has research facilities in the Kebumen Geopark area. “This will play a good role in geopark research in Indonesia in the future, not only in the Karangsambung or Kebumen areas, but has a role in how to develop facilities in the Sukendar Asikin Geodiversity Area as a national center for geological conservation research, geoparks, geoheritage, geodiversity,” said Andreas. (bp)