West Sumatra Provincial Government: Mentawai-Silokek Geoparks Could Become Comprehensive Tourism Package for Ranah Minang

Padang (ANTARA) - The West Sumatra Provincial Government states that the existence of the Mentawai Islands Regency Geopark and the Silokek Geopark in Sijunjung Regency could become a comprehensive tourism package for Ranah Minang. “So, if we want to package educational tourism, research, and the like, then developing geoparks is the answer,” said the Head of the West Sumatra Tourism Office, Lila Yanwar, in Padang on Thursday. Lila stated that West Sumatra Province has two major geopark potentials located in Mentawai Islands Regency and Sijunjung Regency. Specifically, the Sijunjung Geopark is currently a strong candidate from Indonesia and is undergoing international assessment. Currently, the West Sumatra Provincial Government through the Tourism Office is striving for the Silokek Geopark in Sijunjung Regency to gain recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2026. From a geological diversity aspect, Silokek has unique karst rock formations with high scientific value. This area preserves various geosites such as the Silokek karst cliffs, natural caves with stalactite and stalagmite ornaments, as well as geological structures that reflect the history of Sumatra Island’s formation. “The canyon landscape formed by the erosion of the Batang Kuantan River becomes a visual attraction as well as an object for geological and geomorphological research,” said Lila Yanwar. Overall, the Silokek Geopark has comparative and competitive advantages as a conservation-based tourism destination, and education that can drive local economic growth through sustainable tourism and community empowerment. She believes that the central government through the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), and related education ministries will make a significant contribution to the progress of these two geoparks. Moreover, she added, the existence of these two geoparks will become the main gateway for foreign tourists to visit Ranah Minang, thus directly impacting the growth of the regional and national economy.