The UNESCO Executive Board has officially designated Indonesia’s Kebumen and Meratus Geoparks as new UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGs) during its 221st session held in Paris from April 2 to 17, 2025. 

The decision was made by consensus among all 58 member states of the Executive Board, including Indonesia.

The designation of Kebumen Geopark in Central Java and Meratus Geopark in South Kalimantan was part of the approval of 16 new Global Geoparks proposed by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council during its sessions in September and December 2024.

“These newly recognized geoparks come from 11 countries: China (Kanbula and Yunyang), Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Mt. Paektu), Ecuador (Napo Sumaco and Tungurahua), Indonesia (Kebumen and Meratus), Italy (Mur), Norway (Fjord Coast), Republic of Korea (Danyang and Gyeongbuk), Saudi Arabia (Salma and North Riyadh), Spain (Costa Quebrada), United Kingdom (Arran), and Vietnam (Lang Son),” Indonesian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

With this addition, Indonesia now has a total of 12 UNESCO Global Geoparks. Prior to this recognition, Indonesia’s geoparks included Batur (Bali), Belitong (Bangka-Belitung), Ciletuh (West Java), Gunung Sewu (Yogyakarta), Ijen (East Java), Maros Pangkep (South Sulawesi), Merangin Jambi (Jambi), Raja Ampat (West Papua), Rinjani Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara), and the Toba Caldera (North Sumatra).

Being part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network reflects a commitment to preserving and sustainably managing geodiversity while promoting local culture and education. The designation also strengthens Indonesia’s role in global efforts to protect geological heritage and empower local communities through responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.