South Sulawesi Governor Optimistic Maros Pangkep Will Maintain Global Geopark Status

South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman has expressed confidence that Maros Pangkep can maintain its status as a UNESCO Global Geopark with the support of stakeholders. Speaking in Makassar on Monday, Andi Sudirman affirmed the South Sulawesi Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthening the sustainable management of the geopark area. He added that the Maros Pangkep area holds value far beyond its tourism potential alone. “Moreover, Maros Pangkep has been designated as a National Geopark Area and officially recognised globally as a UNESCO Global Geopark,” the Governor said while receiving the arrival of the UNESCO Global Geopark Assessor Team, Mr. Soo Jae Lee from South Korea and Mr. Xiaoping Qiu from the People’s Republic of China. He explained that the geopark area is a world heritage site containing geological wealth, biodiversity, and local culture that must be preserved sustainably. He also invited all local governments, geopark managers, academics, communities, and the public to work together to make this revalidation process a success. “Let us make this 2026 revalidation momentum a success as a collective effort to maintain the Maros Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark as a world heritage site that is the pride of South Sulawesi and Indonesia,” concluded Andi Sudirman. He also expressed hope that the assessor team could provide constructive input on aspects that still need strengthening in the area’s management, so it can continue to improve and meet standards.