Ternate Proposes Batu Angus as a National Geopark

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno supports the aspiration to make Batu Angus Ternate, North Maluku, a national geopark. Uno stated that the Batu Angus geopark is unique chunks of black rock that were frozen lava flows during the eruption of Mount Gamalama, a Ternate geopark.

"The Batu Angus geopark area must be supported for the development of national tourism strength by prioritizing local culture such as local dances. This must be preserved, including flora and fauna that are developed innovatively," said Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno when visiting the Batu Angus Geopark tourist attraction Ternate, Thursday, June 16, 2022.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Regulation number 2 of 2020 concerning Technical Guidelines for Developing Geoparks as Quality and Sustainable Tourism Destinations is the basis for building geoparks as competitive and world-class tourist destinations. "We don't need to spend a lot of money to build tourist destinations, because the Creators present extraordinary natural phenomena, thus supporting the aspiration to make Ternate Batu Angus a national geopark destination," he said.

According to Uno, geoparks can have an impact on environmental conservation and education. To create community welfare, tourism development must involve MSMEs and the principle of empowering local communities, so they are not marginalized.

He hopes that there will be collaboration and innovation by involving the business world because many mines are operating in the North Maluku region. Perhaps they don't profit themselves by building tourism in this area. Based on tourism analysis, it has an impact on the economy and creates jobs for the local community.

In addition to visiting the Batu Angus geopark, Menparekraf had the opportunity to provide creative economic training centered on the Khairun University Campus, Ternate. Menparekraf is also scheduled to conduct a series of two-day working visits and open the Jailolo Bay Festival (FTJ) of West Halmahera Regency.