PROCEEDINGS

HAGI-IAGI Joint Convention Medan 2013

28 – 31 October

Geotourism in Indonesian Perspective

Budi Brahmantyo, Applied Geology Research Group, Department of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences and

Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Jl. Ganesha No. 10 Bandung-40132.

Emai: budibr@gc.itb.ac.id

Abstract

Indonesia is a geological wonderland, and geotourism is

rapidly being recognized as an exciting new direction for

tourism surrounding geological and geomorphologic

attractions and destinations. Geotourism development in

Indonesia will come into a new era with geotrekking as its

most important activity in geotourism. The geotrekking is

active geotourism which distinguish to the passive activity

that only a sightseeing. It must rely on good geotourism

program planning, reliable interpreter, and controlled

anticipation to hazards, disasters, and accidents.

Geotourism in the World

Geotourism is relatively new vocabulary in

Indonesian tourism, and even in the world tourism. The

term geotourism maybe appeared around mid-1990s by a

geologist from Buckinghamshire Chilterns University in

England named Tom Hose. Through his paper entitled

Geotourism, or Can Tourists Become Casual Rock Hounds:

Geology on Your Doorstep, at the Geological Society in

1996, he was probably who first introduced the term. For

comparison, in 1993, a paper written by Jane James at a

conference entitled Promoting Earth Sciences in

Southampton, England, still used the term geological

tourism instead of geotourism (Brahmantyo, 2008).

Following his research on a geologic

interpretation of certain geosites in lowland England, Hose

(1995) defines the term geotourism as geological tourism

that deeply rooted in geology. In line with Hose’s concept

of geotourism, Dowling and Newsome (2006; in Dowling,

2011) of Australia, further suggests that (geological) form

and process are the major components in geotourism

(Figure 1) and that tourism utilizes all these aspects.

Sunkar and Brahmantyo (2013 in press) resumed

from many sources that geotourism is an established new

term for tourism activity that based mainly on geological

aspects. They noted that Hose’s first definition of

geotourism is followed by other fellow geologists in

Europe and most parts of the world. Based on various

literatures on geotourism, definition by Dowling and

Newsome (2010) that focuses on geology and landscape

seems to be the reference point for the development of

geotourism concept. However in other hand, the viewpoint

on geographical characters is followed in the USA where

the emphasis is on the geographical sense of a place in

general (National Geographic Society, 2005).

Some authors, for example Joyce (2006), have

argued that geotourism is somewhat similar to ecotourism

with an added geological theme. It is not be avoided since

this kind of tourism activities involved all natural aspects.

Dowling (2011) linked geotourism with ecotourism,

cultural tourism and adventure tourism, but geotourism is

not identical with one of that different kind of tourism.

However, geotourism and ecotourism both present

important and environmentally sustainable opportunities

for tourism development.

Figure 1: Nature and Scope of Geotourism (Dowling and

Newsome, 2006; in Dowling 2011)

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HAGI-IAGI Joint Convention Medan 2013

28 – 31 October

Through environmental interpretation which

focuses on geological aspects, visitors’ satisfaction will be

enhanced and contributes to the conservation objectives of

the product/site. Hence, geotourism has evolved as a

potential new niche tourism product and market which will

require ‘high value-added’ tourism activities (Robinson and

Roots, 2008) that enhances visitors’ awareness and

appreciation on natural resources and means of their

preservation through outdoor and recreational activities

(Sunkar and Brahmantyo, 2013 in press).

Adopted from Dowling (2011), Sunkar and

Brahmantyo (2013 in press) stated that implementing

geotourism should comply with the principles of

sustainable tourism. The following is the five key

principles of geotourism. The first three characteristics are

considered to be essential for a product to be considered as

geotourism while the last two characteristics are viewed as

being desirable for all forms of tourism.

a. Geologically Based

Geotourism is based on earth’s heritage focussing

on its geological forms (features) and/or

processes.

b. Sustainable

Geotourism fosters economic viability,

community enhancement and geoconservation.

The challenge to geotourism in any region or

country is to develop its tourism capacity and the

quality of its products without adversely affecting

the geo-environment that maintains and nurtures

it. This involves ensuring that the type, location

and level of geotourism use does not cause harm

to geological features or their surrounding areas,

especially in natural settings.

c. Geologically Informative

Earth education and geo-interpretation are

important tools in creating an enjoyable and

meaningful geotourism experience. Geotourism

attracts people who wish to interact with the earth

environment in order to develop their knowledge,

awareness and appreciation of it. Geotourism

should ideally lead to positive action for the earth

by fostering enhanced conservation awareness.

d. Locally Beneficial

Residents in the immediate area will experience

the impacts of development, whether it is

tourism-related or not and whether they choose to

be active participants in the development or not

(ADB, 2005). Similar to the believe that close

cooperation with the local communities is the key

to sustain biodiversity conservation (Sunkar et al,

2013), so is geodiversity conservation.

Involvement of local communities not only

benefits the community and the environment but

also improves the quality of the visitors’

experience. Geotourism can also generate income

for resource conservation management in

addition to social and cultural benefits. Horn and

Simmons (2002) noted that as economic benefits

of tourism increase, residents’ attitudes become

more favourable.

e. Tourist Satisfaction

Visitors’ satisfaction is essential to the long-term

viability of the geotourism industry. The

experience should match or exceed the realistic

expectations of the visitor. Included in this

concept is the importance of visitor safety related

to geo-hazards in regard to site visits.

Indonesian Perspective

Geotourism is rapidly being recognized as an

exciting new direction for tourism surrounding geological

and geomorphologic attractions and destinations. Indonesia

is a geological wonderland. The geodiversity, including

geomorphologic landscapes, richly endowed. In association

with the body of knowledge relating to Earth’s history and

geological processes, geotourism is important for educating

the general public about environmental matters. It can also

serve as tools for demonstrating sustainable development

and for illustrating methods of site conservation whereby

recalling that rocks, minerals, fossils, soils, landforms and

landscapes are both the products and records of the

evolution of our planet Earth and, as such, form an integral

part of the natural world (Sunkar and Brahmantyo (2013 in

press).

Geotourism development in Indonesia will come

into a new era with various current supporting

governmental policies. The enactment of Act No. 26 of

2007 on National Spatial Plan where it is stated that

geodiversity resources should be consider within the

National Planning as well as the Regional Government

Regulation No. 26 of 2008 which emphasized the position of national

protected area where geological formation is one important element to

given protection. Furthermore, the 2012-2014 Strategic Plan

of the Directorate of Tourism Destination Development of

the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has stated

that Geotourism Destination will be one of its main

destination developments. In respect to Regional

Government Regulation No. 26 of 2008 on National Regional

Spatial Planning, Geological Agency has issued 36 geoheritage sites that

distributed 13 in Sumatra, 9 in Java, 6 in Bali-Nusa Tenggara, 3 in

Kalimantan, 3 in Sulawesi, and 2 in Maluku-Papua. This is only the

beginning phase of identification since Indonesian geoheritages

somehow very rich.

In 1999, long before geotourism become quite

popular recently, a workshop on geotourism was conducted

by Geological Research Development Centre (now

Geological Survey of Indonesia, Geological Agency,

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources). The workshop

raised the definition of geotourism stating that geotourism

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HAGI-IAGI Joint Convention Medan 2013

28 – 31 October

is a tour activity that utilizes all aspects of geology,

especially the non-living features like landscapes, rocks,

fossils, minerals, waters and processes. The workshop also

concluded that the activities would be more interesting if

peppered with myth or legend associated with geology.

Further development, geotourism also involves archeology,

culture, flora and fauna that live in the area of geotourism

destination, even though geology is main attraction.

Geotrekking

Geotrekking is one of geotourism activity. This

activity is active geotourism which distinguish to the

passive activity that only a sightseeing. Geotrekking must

rely on good geotourism program planning, reliable

interpreter, and controlled anticipation to hazards, disasters,

and accidents.

Geotrekking is thematic geotourism following a

planned track or trail that can be traced either by vehicle or

on foot. The examples of geotrekking activities carried out

in the Bandung Basin through book written by Brahmantyo

and Bachtiar (2009) entitled "Wisata Bumi Cekungan

Bandung." Since a highway has been built connecting

Bandung – Jakarta in 2005, more people easily come to

Bandung from Jakarta make the city very crowded every

weekend. This phenomenon in one side is good for city’s

economy point of view, but in other side makes the city

uncomfortable. The visitors are come to Bandung generally

for shopping, culinary, or outskirts sightseeing. In fact,

scenic tourism in Bandung Basin has interesting

interpretative meanings in geological point of view. From

volcanoes to karst landscape, ancient lake, waterfalls,

archaeological sites, and many more objects. In the book,

nine geotrekkings are introduced in Bandung Basin for

tourist who likes to experience alternative tourism. All

geotrekkings introduce geological, geographical,

environmental aspects of Bandung Basin, as well as its

legends, myths, and prehistoric-historical story as

supporting aspect in geotourism. In Bandung area

geotourism is then potentially developed with good

package, including good interpreter.

Other geotrekking examples are of Indonesia’s

volcano-trekking. It can be found in Batur Volcano of Bali

(see Figure 2), boating to Krakatau caldera in the Sunda

Strait, hiking to craters of Papandayan or Tangkubanparahu

in West Java, Merapi in Yogyakata, Bromo-Tengger

Caldera in East Java, Rinjani in Lombok, Tambora in

Sumbawa, Kelimutu three coloured craters in Flores, or

Banda Neira in Maluku. With a total of 127 active

volcanoes of which 79 are classified as “Type A” (very

active), volcano geotourism is highly potential to be

developed in Indonesia. Moreover, several great volcano

eruptions that are recorded in the world history occurred in

Indonesia. The eruption of Krakatau in August 27th of

1883, recognized as a world massive eruption, has inspired

many authors, movie directors or painters. Similarly, in

April 10th of 1815 the Tambora eruption was recorded as

the most devastating volcanic eruptions in history where its

material spewed more than 100 cubic kilometres, almost

ten times bigger than the Krakatau eruption in 1883.

Interestingly, Indonesian volcanoes are often associated

with social-cultural heritage related to the history of

eruptions either as facts or fictions.

In geotrekking, reliable interpreter is very important.

The interpreter is person who does not only rolling as

common tour guide but knows geological aspects very

well. An interpreter must be equipped with interpretation

techniques and tips, mastering the materials, and especially

has good ability in controlling the situations on geotourism

community.

Concluding Remarks

1. Geotourism is an established new term for tourism

activity that based mainly on geological aspects.

Although some opinions argue that geotourism is

somewhat similar to ecotourism with an added

geological theme, geotourism linked with ecotourism,

cultural tourism and adventure tourism, but is not

identical with one of that different kind of tourism.

However, geotourism and ecotourism both present

important and environmentally sustainable

opportunities for tourism development.

2. Since Indonesia is a geological wonderland,

geotourism is rapidly being recognized as an exciting

new direction for tourism surrounding geological and

Figure 2: Batur Volcano-trekking, an example of thematic

geotrekking in active volcano.

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HAGI-IAGI Joint Convention Medan 2013

28 – 31 October

geomorphologic attractions and destinations.

Geotourism development in Indonesia will come into

a new era with various current supporting

governmental policies.

3. The most important activity in geotourism is

geotrekking. This activity is active geotourism which

distinguish to the passive activity that only a

sightseeing. Geotrekking must rely on good

geotourism program planning, reliable interpreter, and

controlled anticipation to hazards, disasters, and

accidents.

References

Asia Development Bank (ADB). 2005. Technical

Assistance Consultant’s Report: Greater Mekong

Subregion: Tourism Sector Strategy (Financed by the

Technical Assistance Special Fund).

Brahmantyo, B. 2008. Menggali Akar Geowisata, Pikiran

Rakyat, 7 Januari 2008.

Brahmantyo, B., and Bachtiar, T. 2009. Wisata Bumi

Cekungan Bandung. TrueDee, Bandung.

Dowling, R. K. 2011. Geotourism’s Global Growth.

Geoheritage Journal., Vol 3(1): 1-13.

Dowling, R. K. and Newsome, D. (eds). 2010. Global

Geotourism Perspectives. Oxford: Goodfellow

Publisher Limited: pp 137-152.

Hose, T. A. 1995. Selling the story of Britain's stone.

Environmental Interpretation 10(2): 16-17.

Joyce E. B. 2006. Geomorphological Sites and the New

Geotourism in Australia.

http://web.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/Joyce/heritage/Geot

ourismReviewebj.htm. Accessed on 15th May 2013).

National Geographic Society. 2005. The geotourism

approached. Available at

http://www.innovasjonnorge.no/Reiseliv_fs/PDF/Fored

rag%20Tourtellot-2.pdf (accessed on 10 May 2013).

Sunkar, A. And Brahmantyo, B. 2013. Eco-Geotourism in

Indonesia, Book’s Chapter in Sustainable Tourism,

Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (in press).

Acknowledgements

The author wished to thank to the committee of IAGI-

HAGI JCM 2013 who invited the author as speaker for

special session on geotourism. The idea of this paper is also

taken from the Dir. Gen. of Higher Education Research of

MP3EI on “Geotourism Development Strategy in Effort to

Accelerate Economic Development in Bali – Nusa

Tenggara Corridor Year 2012.” Many materials are taken

from book’s chapter draft written by Arzyana Sunkar and

Budi Brahmantyo on Sustainable Tourism that will be

published by Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.