South Kalimantan Optimises Meratus Geopark-Based Tourism Development
South Kalimantan provincial government will optimise tourism development based on the Meratus Geopark, which holds UNESCO Global Geopark status. Tourist arrivals to the province continue to grow.
‘Given the Meratus Geopark’s UNESCO status, we must leverage it for tourism development and ultimately improve community welfare,’ said South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin.
The provincial government is committed to using the Meratus Geopark as a driver for inclusive and sustainable local economic growth, promoting cross-sector partnerships to strengthen funding and implementation synergies for geopark development.
The Meratus Geopark encompasses 54 geosites stretching from upstream to downstream of the Meratus Mountains. Most geosites form part of the geodiversity heritage of tourist areas such as caves, waterfalls, including Sultan Adam Forest Park. Cultural heritage includes Banjar’s traditional Bubungan Tinggi houses, floating markets, traditional diamond panning, and historical Nassau coal mines from the Dutch colonial era.
Additionally, the area is rich in local products and wisdom, such as Aranio coffee, cinnamon, sasirangan crafts, purun weaving, and various regional delicacies.
Head of South Kalimantan Tourism Office Iwan Fitriady stated that the tourism sector continues to grow, with a 7% increase in tourist visits during 2024-2025.
‘These achievements bolster local government optimism in strengthening the tourism sector. For 2026, we aim for a 5% growth in tourist visits, adjusted to current conditions and challenges, including budget efficiency,’ he said.
To meet this target, the tourism office is enhancing development of key destinations including Loksado, Tahura Sultan Adam, Bukit Batu, and Batu Hapu Cave. Besides natural attractions, religious tourism is a major draw for visitors to South Kalimantan, such as the Haul Guru Sekumpul event in Martapura.
The policy also emphasises resource efficiency, including electricity (lights and air conditioning), computers, water, and fuel conservation.
The international stadium project requires 28.76 hectares of land, with an estimated construction cost of Rp1 trillion. The provincial government will propose the release of part of the Liang Anggang Protected Forest area to maximise the stadium’s development and management.
South Kalimantan provincial government acknowledges insufficient oversight of extractive industries in mining and plantations. It is also accelerating the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) to strengthen regional inflation control ahead of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah.