Provincial government urges public to protect ancient fossils in Merangin Geopark

Jambi Governor Al Haris has urged the public to help preserve the integrity and conservation of the ancient fossils in the Merangin ancient geopark following an assessment by the UNESCO Global Geopark evaluation team.

“I ask the people of Merangin Regency to please take good care of the fossils, because their history is extraordinary. No geopark in the world has the same advantages,” said Al Haris in Jambi City on Tuesday.

According to him, the assessment carried out by the team aims to ensure that the area remains worthy and meets the standards as part of the world geopark network.

The uniqueness of the ancient plant fossils in the area holds extraordinary historical value and cannot be found in other regions or geoparks in the world.

“Every geopark in the world has different advantages and distinctive characteristics. Ancient mountain fossils like those in Merangin do not exist anywhere else in the world, only in Jambi,” the governor stated.

According to him, the entire series of revalidation and visits to various sites proceeded smoothly according to the planned stages.

The evaluation team gave a positive response and admired the richness of the geological heritage of Merangin Geopark, including the Mengkarang formation, Teluk Wang, Ketantan, as well as fossilised wood (araucarioxylon) and ancient plant traces not found anywhere else in the world.

This includes the presence of ancient caves in Sungai Manau, as well as the volcanological environment of Mount Masurai and its surroundings.

“From a geological perspective, Merangin is very rich and complete. The evaluation team reminded that this heritage must be protected together,” he explained.