The efforts to establish the geopark status for the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Karst are approaching realization. "We are interested in the geopark with ancient hand-stenciled caves, which indicates that the culture in East Kalimantan has existed for quite a long time," said East Kalimantan Deputy Governor Seno Aji during an audience with the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Geopark proposal team at the East Kalimantan Governor's Office on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Read: Why do fish need to be identified?
The Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Geopark proposal team consists of multiple stakeholders, including representatives from the government (Environmental Department, Forestry Department, Energy and Mineral Resources Department, Tourism Department, Public Works and Housing Department), academics, local governments (Berau Regency and East Kutai Regency), and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN).
Indonesia boasts 12 officially recognized Global Geoparks, according to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). The Meratus Geopark in South Kalimantan is the closest to East Kalimantan. Seno Aji made it clear that the Geopark status would have far-reaching implications, including cultural recognition, conservation of karst areas, tourism destinations, and research sites. "It will generate Regional Original Revenue for East Kalimantan, especially from tourism," he added.
The process of establishing the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Karst Geopark began in 2019 with geological diversity inventory activities. A series of activities has continued annually, and in 2024, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources issued a Decree regarding Geological Heritage. This year, the geopark proposal will be submitted, aiming for national geopark status and inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geopark network. "The support proposal letter has been submitted to the Governor," declared East Kalimantan's Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development Administration, Ujang Rachmad, during the same occasion. Seno Aji has stated that he will follow up on the support letter.
The Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Karst stretches across East Kutai Regency and Berau Regency.
YKAN Senior Manager Niel Makinuddin confirmed that the geopark typology in East Kalimantan is indeed similar to that of the Ijen Geopark. "The area spans two regencies, so the proposal team decided to learn directly from the Ijen Geopark management," Niel stated. In Ijen, the karst landscape is located between Bondowoso and Banyuwangi Regencies. The professional management of Ijen's geopark has successfully drawn many tourists to the area. It is clear that tourism in the Ijen area has had a significant impact on the economic growth and regional income of Banyuwangi and Bondowoso. The Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Karst has similar potential, as Niel noted. Its ancient caves, diverse cave types, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking scenery will undoubtedly attract both domestic and international tourists.
Read This Next
Collective Efforts in Preserving Mangroves in Teluk Pambang Village, Bengkalis
The importance of involving communities in mangrove restoration activities through the Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR) approach.
The Punan Batu Benau Sajau Indigenous Community has received an award from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK)
The Punan Batu Benau Sajau Indigenous Community in Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan, received the 2024 Kalpataru Award from KLHK for their environmental efforts.
19 years of partnership with the tribal council & religious institutions in Kapatcol Village
Since 2009, YKAN has provided assistance in Kapatcol Village, Raja Ampat, which has had positive impacts on the community and the environment.