Indonesia wants to develop tourism at geoparks

Indonesian President Joko Widodo. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Jakarta (VNA) – Geoparks are not only places for educating children but also has potential to be attractive tourist destinations, according to Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Geoparks may fit as the current tourism trend at the time of COVID-19, including ecotourism and wellness tourism, Widodo said in his opening remarks at the second conference on the Indonesia National Geopark on November 22.

Through this, tourists can engage in protecting geoparks’ environment and exploring their geological history and cultural diversity, he said.

President Widodo emphasised that the geopark's management was the key to determining the success of the geopark's development and the management must involve geopark activists, academics, and the surrounding community.

Innovative ideas and concrete breakthroughs are needed to balance nature conservation with the economy, he said.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Binsar Pandjaitan expects geoparks will become a tourist magnet in the future.

Indonesia is home to six UNESCO-recognised global geoparks, namely Belitong, Caldera Toba, Ciletuh-Pelabuhan Ratu, Rinjani, Sewu and Batur./.

VNA