The Natuna Regency Government continues to strengthen its efforts to secure recognition for Natuna Geopark as an Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp). As part of this process, the second-stage presentation of Natuna’s UGGp candidacy was held at the Regent’s Office in Bukit Arai, Ranai, on Wednesday afternoon (13/05).
The session was attended by Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan, Acting Head of the Tourism Office and General Manager of Natuna Geopark Moestofa Albakry, Acting Head of the Regional Cooperation Division and Geopark Secretary, as well as members of the Natuna National Geopark Management Board.
Joining virtually were Director of Natural Resources, Environment, and Disaster Management at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) Togu Pardede, Head of the Geological Survey Center of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Edy Slameto, Prof. Dr. Ir. Mega F. Rosana, and Meliawati Ang as Indonesia UGGp Assessors, along with Dr. Ir. Rudy Suhendar as an expert advisor from the Indonesian National Geopark Committee.
In her remarks, Regent Cen Sui Lan expressed appreciation for Natuna Geopark’s achievement in becoming one of only two geoparks in Indonesia to advance to the Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark stage. She described the milestone as an important step toward strengthening geopark management through conservation, education, and sustainable community development.
The technical presentation was delivered by Moestofa Albakry, who outlined the geopark’s key strengths and ongoing development initiatives. These included Natuna’s rich geological and biodiversity assets, its strategic position as a border region, the development of geosites and cultural sites, unique local geogastronomy, the integration of geological, biological, and cultural heritage, institutional management and partnerships, sustainable tourism initiatives, and the economic benefits generated for local communities.
During the discussion, assessors and expert advisors provided constructive feedback, including recommendations to further refine Natuna Geopark’s core narrative, improve geosite route mapping, expand promotion of local geogastronomy, strengthen partnership networks, and maintain consistency in educational and environmental conservation programs.
With the completion of this presentation stage, the Natuna Regency Government and the Natuna National Geopark Management Board remain optimistic that the UNESCO Global Geopark application process will continue to progress positively. The initiative is expected to further elevate Natuna’s profile as a world-class geopark destination while supporting sustainable tourism and long-term economic growth for local communities. Prokopim
RILIS PERS, Number : 0646/PRO_KOPIM/2025
