Protecting Indonesia's geoparks means preserving nature, culture by Fardah

Jakarta, Nov 25 , 2021 (Antara)-  A geopark is not just a geological park, Guy Martini, president of the Global Geoparks Council of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ), once said.

This is because a geopark has meaning and functions beyond a geological park. It serves as a link between the geological heritage and all other aspects of an area’s natural and cultural heritage. It aims to reconnect human society with the planet and celebrate how the Earth, and its 4,600-million-year-long history, has shaped every aspect of people's lives and societies.

The presence of geoparks helps preserve nature and culture and improve the economy as well as contribute to the prosperity of local communities.

Indonesia sees huge potential in developing cooperation between nations having geoparks in order to support nature and cultural conservation efforts, develop the creative economy, and promote the tourism industry.

No less than 110 Indonesian regions can potentially be developed into geoparks, officials have said. Currently, Indonesia has at least 15 national geoparks, including 6 that have been included on the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) list.

The six geoparks are Batur in Bali, Ciletuh-Pelabuhanratu in West Java, Gunung Sewu in Yogyakarta, Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Toba Calderas in North Sumatra, and Belitong in Bangka Belitung Province, Sumatra Island.

Speaking at a virtual conference on Indonesia's national geoparks on November 22, 2021, President Joko Widodo reminded all stakeholders and the public to protect the country’s geoparks, and prevent them from getting damaged and overexploited.

A geopark is a place to learn and preserve the wealth and biodiversity of Indonesia, according to Widodo.

"Please protect our geological wealth by preserving the geological heritage and the values in it, such as the archaeological, ecological, historical, and cultural values, so that they can continue to be passed on to the future generations," he said.

Geoparks might fit in with a tourism trend that has emerged during the pandemic, which is prioritizing ecotourism and wellness tourism, he added.

He called for a good management system for geoparks that balances nature conservation and economic interests. The formulation of the management system must involve environmental activists, academics, and local communities, he said.

Indonesia seeks inscription of more geoparks on UGGp List by Fardah

Jakarta,  Oct 17, 2019 (Antara) - Of Indonesia's 15 national geoparks, Batur in Bali, Ciletuh-Pelabuhanratu in West Java, Gunung Sewu in Yogyakarta, and Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), have been included on the List of UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp).
No less than 110 Indonesian regions can potentially be developed into geoparks. However, the figure is yet small in comparison with China that has 220 national geoparks, of which 39 have been included on the UGGp List.
However, Indonesia should take pride in the fact that it has become the only country to have issued a presidential regulation on geopark development, notably the Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 9 of 2019 on National Geopark management, institution, and budget.
While hosting the Sixth Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium in Geopark Rinjani, Lombok, NTB, from Aug 30 to Sept 6, 2019, Indonesia had discussed its proposals on inscription of two more geoparks on the UGGp List.
"We have proposed the names of the two national geoparks of Belitung and Toba to be discussed for inclusion into the UNESCO global geoparks list during the APGN meeting in Lombok," Anton Setyo Nugroho, head of the Maritime Innovation Network Department of the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Office, concurrently secretary of the Indonesian National Geoparks Committee, stated recently.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will reach a decision on whether to accept Indonesia's proposals during the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (UGGN) meeting to be held in Paris, France, in April 2020.
Over 600 people, including scientists from France, Greece, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and China, participated in the symposium themed “UNESCO Global Geoparks Toward Sustaining Local Communities and Reducing Geohazard Risk.”
The fourth UNESCO Global Geoparks Council meeting was also organized in parallel with the symposium in Lombok, from Aug 31 to Sept 2, 2019
In the meantime, during the 29th Workshop on Managing Potential Conflict in the South China Sea held in Batam, Riau Islands Province, on Sept 11, 2019, Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry tabled a proposal to establish a geopark network in the South China Sea Rim.
Currently, at least 46 UNESCO Global Geoparks (GG) are there in the South China Sea Rim. The presence of geoparks helps to improve the economy and contribute to the prosperity of the local communities.
Indonesia sees huge potential in developing cooperation among geoparks in the South China Sea Rim in order to support nature and cultural conservations, develop the creative economy, and promote the tourism sector, the ministry's Director of the Centre for Policy Analysis and Development for Multilateral Affairs, Dindin Wahyudin, emphasized.
A regional geopark network can serve as a platform for sharing best practices and for capacity building. The network should promote the role of small and micro businesses in the region and encourage combined tour packages by connecting geoparks in the South China Sea as an integrated regional tourism destination and market.
Dindin cited the Langkawi Geopark in Malaysia as a good example of a geopark managing to bring about significant economic growth, particularly after its inscription into the UGGp List.
Currently, Indonesia is developing several geoparks, including the Natuna Geopark, which is strategically located adjacent to the South China Sea region.
Natuna was officially designated as the National Geopark of Indonesia on November 30, 2018, and Indonesia is currently promoting the Natuna Geopark as one of the UNESCO Global Geoparks.
In addition to positively impacting the local economy by increasing the flow of investments and tourists, the presence of the Geopark in Natuna can aid in environmental preservation while achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, the Ende district government is upbeat about the Kelimutu National Park and the adjoining area in Kelimutu Sub-district, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, being designated a geopark area in 2021.
"Since 2018, we have made preparations for the establishment of a geopark in Kelimutu National Park, and the government's target is to ensure that it materializes in 2021," Hiparkus Hepi, head of the tourism office of Ende District, noted recently.
A working team has been formed to prepare the designation of Kelimutu National Park as a geopark, in cooperation with a team from West Java.
Consultants will conduct field studies on biodiversity, geology, and culture within the national park that is known for its unique three-colored lake.
"From birds, plants, and rocks, to the traditional culture in Kelimutu area will be studied, and the results will be examined by teams from the central government and UNESCO that has the authority to issue a recommendation on whether it is qualified," he stated.
In the meantime, as a follow-up of the Asia Pacific Symposium of Geoparks Network (APGN), a competence test for geopark guides was held in Lombok on September 17-18, 2019.
A total of 78 geopark guides participated in the first-ever competence test encompassing knowledge, skills, and conduct of geopark guides, T. B. Haeru Rahayu, assistant to the coordinating ministry's deputy-in-charge of maritime education and training, stated.
Geopark guides must have a broad understanding of geology and environmental cleanliness as well as be capable of providing public services and vital information to tourists.
"These guides are the envoys of Indonesia or at least envoys of the regions where they work. Tourists, their employers, and also the nation rely on them," he emphasized.

AFTER ASIAD, PENCAK SILAT EXPECTED INCLUSION INTO UNESCO ICH LIST by Fardah

 Jakarta, Sept 15, 2018 (Antara) - Indonesia has delivered its best-ever achievement in the Asian Games history by ranking fourth in the medal tally, with 31 gold medals, nearly half of them from the pencak silat martial art.

        Indonesia won 14 out of the total 16 gold medals up for grabs in pencak silat also participated in by Malaysia, Japan, Brunei Darussalam, India, Nepal, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan in the 18th Asian Games co-hosted by the Indonesian capital city of Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2, 2018.

        Pencak silat debuted in the largest multi-sport event in Asia. This is because Indonesia had the privilege to propose pencak silat, its traditional martial art, in which it had hopes of winning gold. The country certainly did not miss the opportunity to make pencak silat as its "gold mine" in the Asiad.

        At the closing ceremony of the Asian Games 2018, dozens of performers, wearing white clothes and red headscarves, demonstrated the movements of pencak silat to spectators at the Bung Karno Main Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta.

        In the presence of rain that began in the afternoon, the performers displayed a variety of Indonesian martial arts movements, which included strikes, kicks, sweeping, and take down.

        Pencak silat is a traditional martial art that has played an important role since Indonesia's ancient history. West Sumatra and West Java are believed to be the origins of the sport, but it later spread across the country.

JAKARTA DECLARATION HIGHLIGHTS CHALLENGES POSED TO PRESS FREEDOM GLOBALLY By Fardah

Jakarta, May 5, 2017 (Antara) - Some 1,500 participants from 90 countries attended the World Press Freedom Day International Conference organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Jakarta from May 1 to 4, where they adopted the Jakarta Declaration, after examining the challenges facing media around the world during the meeting.

          The Jakarta Declaration basically warned of three major challenges to press freedom, notably safety of journalists, false news and freedom of speech on the Internet.

          In the 74-point Declaration, participants, comprising of journalists, editors, experts, government officials, press freedom advocates and academics, welcomed multi-stakeholder efforts made by the international community to enhance the protection of journalists and address the issue of impunity through the implementation of the U.N. Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. 
     They recognized that the internet is a powerful medium for self-expression, which facilitates the ability of users to speak freely and in public interest.

          Therefore, they honored the journalists and media workers, who contribute to press freedom through their work and commitment, often at the risk of their safety and personal security.

          They also observed that the proliferation of falsified information and the phenomenon of "social-media bubbles" can polarize public debate, mislead whole segments of society and undermine professional journalism.

FOUR MORE INDONESIAN GEOPARKS AIM TO BE RECOGNIZED AS UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS by Fardah

 Jakarta, Oct 11, 2016 (Antara) - Blessed with beautiful nature, Indonesia has some 40 national geoparks across the country, and at least four are to be proposed to become UNESCO Global Geoparks.

         The four geoparks are Mount Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara, Lake Toba Caldera in North Sumatra, Ciletuh Waterfall  in West Java, and Merangin pale botany park in Jambi on Sumatra Island.

          In fact, proposals for Mt Rinjani and Merangin geoparks have already been submitted and the results will be announced by UNESCO in April 2017.

           Indonesia currently has two UNESCO Global Geoparks, namely Batur in Bali, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2012, and Mount Sewu in Central Java.

         Located in northeast Bali, Batur Global Geopark includes two volcanic calderas and presents a complete volcanic landscape, with caldera walls, cones and craters, geothermal phenomena such fumaroles, hot springs, a lake, lava flows, pyroclastic flows and tephra.

         Two cataclysmic eruptions that occurred 29,000 years and 20,000 years ago produced an outer-caldera and inner-caldera, from
which the grand landscape scenery originates.

          Between 1804 and 2000, Mt. Batur erupted at least 22 times, forming a strato-volcano, which is one of 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia, and an important component of the Pacific `ring of fire¿.

          The double-calderas, with a crescent-shaped volcanic lake being 7 km long, 1.5 km wide, and located 1,031 m a.s.l., was called the finest caldera in the world.

UNESCO'S RECOGNITION OF BALINESE DANCES TO HELP PROMOTE INDONESIAN TOURISM by Fardah

     Jakarta, Dec 8, 2015 (Antara) - The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage meeting in Windhoek, Namibia, on December 2, 2015, inscribed 20 new elements, including three Balinese dances on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List.

    The three genres of traditional Balinese dance are sacred, semi-sacred, and that meant for enjoyment by communities at large, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Intangible Cultural Heritage published on its website recently.
   Coordinating Minister for Cultural and Human Development Puan Maharani lauded the UNESCO's decision to inscribe the dance forms on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the Committee for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

        The inclusion of the Balinese dance forms in the UNESCO World Heritage could help promote Indonesia's tourism internationally, the minister emphasized.

        The coordinating minister hoped that UNESCO's recognition would encourage the Indonesian people to preserve the country's culture and traditions.

HISTORICAL BANDUNG CONFERENCE ARCHIVES PRESERVED BY UNESCO By Fardah

 Jakarta, Oct 29, 2015 (Antara) - The Asian-African Conference's (AAC)'s archives held in Bandung, West Java, in April 1955, have been preserved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

        The archives have been inscribed in the Memory of the World International Register, along with 46 other nominations.

        With the inclusion of the AAC archives in the Memory of the World register, the international community will now have access to the AAC documents that highlight world peace, independence, freedom, the welfare of human beings, and internationalism.  
    The conference was attended by 29 Asian and African countries, and was the first international assembly of Asian-African nations aimed at promoting world peace and cooperation, and freedom from colonialism and imperialism.

        Among the world leaders taking part in the Bandung Conference were U Nu of Burma (Myanmar), Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Mohammed Ali Jinnah of Pakistan, Sir John Kotelawala of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the Grand Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Amin Al-Husaini of Palestine, and Sukarno of Indonesia was the host.

International Recognition Brings Babad Diponegoro Into Spotlight by Fardah Assegaf

Jakarta, Dec 18, 2013 (Antara) - Indonesia is proud that Babad Diponegoro has been included in the Memory of the World Register by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) because the heritage documentary truly deserves the honor.

Babad Diponegoro, or Autobiographical Chronicle of Prince Diponegoro, is a beautifully written poetic masterpiece by Prince Diponegoro, who was not just a national hero but also a genius, Javanese mystic, pious Muslim, and leader of the "Holy War" against the Dutch in Java between 1825 and 1830.

UNESCO'S RECOGNITION TO PROMOTE NOKEN by Fardah

    Jakarta, Dec 6, 2012 (ANTARA) - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has added Papua's traditional woven bag, Noken, to its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

         "The women of Papua are very happy today," said Titus Pekei, chairman of the Papua Ecology Institute, on Wednesday (December 5), following the report on the UNESCO's recognition of Noken as an intangible cultural heritage item.

Year-Ender : PAST YEAR MARKED BY INTENSE RI-UNESCO ENGAGEMENT by Fardah

       Jakarta, Dec 31, 2011 (ANTARA) - The year 2011 has been quite special for Indonesia and UNESCO as President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono spoke at a UNESCO meeting in Paris, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova visited Indonesia, and Aceh`s Saman dance was recognized as a world cultural heritage.

      President Yudhoyono was invited to the special session of the 36th UNESCO General Conference to mark the 10th anniversary of the declaration of universal cultural diversity because UNESCO considered the country to be an example of cultural diversity that eventually became a source of strength.

BALI HOPING TO JOIN UNESCO'S WORLD HERITAGE LIST by Fardah

Jakarta, Dec 2, 2011 (ANTARA) - Bali also known as the Island of Gods and the Island of A Thousand Temples, has very rich Hindu-predominantly traditions and culture.

Spiritual activities are reflected in every facet of life in Bali, which has a lot of traditional wisdom to offer to the world.

UNESCO CHIEF'S VISIT BRINGS AGENCY CLOSER TO INDONESIA by Fardah

       Jakarta, Nov 30, 2011 (ANTARA) - UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova made her first official visit to Indonesia from November 19 to 25 during which she went through a quite hectic agenda.
       Within the relatively short period of six days, she among other things visited the World Heritage site of Borobudur in Magelang, Central Java, Bali Island and Jakarta.

ACEH'S SAMAN DANCE JOINS UNESCO'S LIST OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE by Fardah

      Jakarta, Nov 24, 2011 (ANTARA) - Aceh`s Saman dance, well-known abroad as "Thousand hands" dance, is something warranting a sense of national pride among Indonesians because of its uniqueness.
       It does not need music instruments but it produces harmonious sound, and it does not require a lot of space, but the dancers move very energetically, dynamically and with excellent coordination.
       And more than that, the traditional dance in the past performed only by male dancers, conveys religious and noble messages.

ANGKLUNG RECEIVES WORLD RECOGNITION by Fardah

      Jakarta, Nov 19, 2010 (ANTARA) - Angklung, Indonesia`s traditional bamboo musical instrument, which has been frequently played before international audiences in Indonesia as well as overseas, has finally received world recognition.
       Angklung was one of 47 nominations from 29 countries, which had been examined by the UNESCO Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (IGC-ICH) in its fifth session in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday (Nov 17), for inscription into the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

UNESCO Supports Environmentally Friendly Schools in Jakarta

       Jakarta, Dec 15, 2009 (Antara) - UNESCO `s Jakarta Office has supported a program of environmentally friendly elementary schools and revitalization of elementary school canteens in Jakarta.

       The program has been implemented since July 2009 by involving around 50 elementary schools in Jakarta, according to Nuning Wirjoatmodjo, the program`s coordinator, here on Tuesday (15/12/2009).
State elementary schools SDN 01 in Gambir (Central Jakarta) and SDN 01 in Pasar Minggu (South Jakarta) have been appointed pilot projects for the program, which includes trainings for trainers in integrated waste management and nutrition.

INDONESIANS TO CELEBRATE BATIK DAY ON OCT 2 By Fardah

Jakarta, Oct. 1, 2009 (ANTARA) - Employees of state-owned companies and government institutions have for years adhered to a tradition of wearing batik on every Friday of the week.

But this Friday (October 2, 2009) is special because President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all Indonesians to wear batik on that day to celebrate UNESCO`s decision to include batik in its list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" items.

Banjarsari - "OASIS" Di Tengah-Tengah Hutan Beton Jakarta oleh Fardah

      Jakarta, 24/9/2005 - (ANTARA) – Banyak penduduk Jakarta merasa pusing kepala jika ingin menikmati pemandangan yang hijau karena kota metropolitan ini dikenal langkah akan taman-taman yang asri dan layak dinikmati oleh anggota keluarga.

Jumlah taman di ibu kota Indonesia ini memang sangat sedikit di banding kota metropolitan di negara-negara lainnya. Taman yang adapun sering tidak nyaman, tidak asri serta kadang-kadang menimbulkan perasaan tidak aman bagi pengunjungnya.

Direktur UNESCO: Jangan Biarkan Sampah Jakarta Kotori Pulau Seribu

   Jakarta, 26/9/1996 (ANTARA) - Direktur Organisasi Pendidikan, Iptek dan Kebudayaan PBB (UNESCO) Jakarta, Prof. Stephen Hill, mengimbau masyarakat untuk menangani sampah di Jakarta agar tak mencemari Teluk Jakarta dan Kepulauan Seribu.
        "Menangani sampah yang kita hasilkan tak perlu harus dilakukan oleh pemerintah dengan dana yang sangat besar. Namun bisa ditangani oleh kalian, teman-teman, masyarakat Jakarta. dengan membantu menutup kran sampah. Jangan membuang sampah di sembarang tempat atau selokan," katanya di Jakarta, Kamis.

TAMAN NASIONAL ASIA TENGGARA AKAN DIBAHAS DI JAKARTA

     Jakarta, 25/1/1996 (ANTARA) - Indonesia akan menjadi tuan rumah Pertemuan Komisi Taman Nasional dan Wilayah yang dilindungi di Asia Tenggara (CNPPA), Mei 1996.
        Pertemuan tersebut akan diselenggarakan oleh Departemen Kehutanan, Kantor Menteri Lingkungan Hidup dan CNPPA Masyarakat Konservasi Dunia (IUCN), ujar Dr N. Ishwaran, pakar keragaman hayati UNESCO Jakarta, Kamis.

Pengelolaan Sumber Daya Alam Dalam Konteks Budaya Akan Dibahas

    Jakarta, 7/12/1995 (ANTARA) - Kantor Perwakilan UNESCO di Jakarta bekerjasama dengan jaringan berita lingkungan Earthwire akan menyelenggarakan lokakarya regional tentang pengelolaan sumber daya dalam konteks budaya bagi wartawan lingkungan di Chiang Mai, Thailand, 4-20 Desember, kata Earthwire, Kamis.
        Sekitar 15 wartawan dari kawasan itu akan hadir pada pertemuan enam hari di Universitas Chiang Mai yang akan membahas pengelolaan sumber daya dalam konteks budaya sekaligus bagaimana ketrampilan peliputan bidang lingkungan dapat ditingkatkan.