Jakarta — Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan took part in the Indonesia Geopark Leader Forum on Wednesday morning (03/12), a strategic national gathering themed “Building Knowledge for Indonesia’s Geopark Development.”
Held at the Djunaedi Hadisumarto Meeting Rooms, Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN/Bappenas), the forum brought together regional leaders and policymakers to strengthen sustainable geopark development across the country.
Opening the event, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian encouraged regional heads to take pride in their commitment to geoparks, noting that UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) serve as an important gateway for global recognition. Indonesia currently hosts 12 UNESCO-recognized geoparks and 11 national geoparks.
During the discussion, Regent Cen Sui Lan highlighted the significant potential of the growing Natuna Geopark, stressing that Natuna’s rich geological heritage and natural beauty position it well to become an international tourism destination. However, she emphasized that cross-sector collaboration is essential to fully unlock this potential.
She pointed to one major obstacle: the high cost of air travel to Natuna’s capital, which continues to deter both domestic and international tourists. This limitation, she noted, reduces the region’s competitiveness despite its unique geological attractions.
Cen Sui Lan also underscored the need for a new airport as a strategic step to improve regional connectivity. A modern, fully equipped airport, she said, would significantly enhance Natuna’s tourism prospects while driving economic growth and creating more job opportunities. “A representative airport will stimulate the economy, strengthen tourism, and open wider employment opportunities for our community,” she added.
The forum served as a productive platform for dialogue between local governments, ministries, and relevant organizations. Participants welcomed Cen Sui Lan’s presentation, acknowledging that many island regions with strong geopark potential face similar access challenges.
With a clear and firm message, the Regent expressed hope that the central government would prioritize infrastructure support for Natuna’s tourism sector. Such backing, she stressed, would accelerate Natuna Geopark’s path toward global recognition and deliver tangible benefits for local communities.
Through her active participation in the Indonesia Geopark Leader Forum, Cen Sui Lan reinforced her commitment to positioning Natuna as one of Indonesia’s leading geopark destinations—reminding stakeholders that tourism development is not just about promotion, but also about ensuring the infrastructure needed to deliver an exceptional visitor experience. (Pro_kopim/Patli)
RILIS PERS, Number : 0581/PRO_KOPIM/2025
