Kalimantan Tourism Towards World Geoparks, Members Of The House Of Representatives Encourage Kaltara To Become A Global Heritage

Deputy Chairman of Commission VII DPR RI Dr. Evita Nursanty, M.Sc on a recess working visit in Tanjung Selor, North Kalimantan. (ANTARA).

JAKARA - North Kalimantan has a stunning natural wealth, ranging from exotic landscapes to tropical forests that are still natural. This beauty encourages a major discourse: making the province a part of the world's geopark network recognized by UNESCO.

Deputy Chairman of Commission VII DPR RI, Dr. Evita Nursanty, M.Sc, conveyed the importance of encouraging the tourism potential of North Kalimantan to get global recognition.

During a working visit during the recess to Tanjung Selor, Thursday, Evita emphasized that natural beauty in Kaltara is very worthy of being developed sustainably.

"Tourism areas in Kaltara have extraordinary potential. With a sustainable approach and the right development concept, we can propose this region to be part of the world's Geopark network, so that its status can be recognized as a global legacy," Evita said in a Hearing Meeting with local government officials, community leaders, and local industry players as quoted by ANTARA.

Commission VII of the DPR RI, continued Evita, is committed to encouraging the tourism sector as a source of new economic growth outside of dependence on mining and fossil energy. This effort includes strengthening synergies between the central government, regional and the private sector in working on the tourism potential of Kaltara.

Evita also highlighted the importance of local community involvement through the development of tourism support facilities, such as homestays, to accommodate the needs of domestic and foreign tourists. If the number of tourist visits increases, it will certainly have an impact on the needs of temporary shelters. Homestay can be a solution as well as an additional source of income for the community," he said.

Meanwhile, North Kalimantan Governor Zainal Arifin Paliwang welcomed the attention of the DPR to the tourism sector in his area. He hopes that this support can be channeled through the relevant ministries so that the development of Kaltara tourism will be maximized.

"We really appreciate Commission VII's visit. Our quite challenging geographical condition has made connectivity and promotion a big obstacle. We hope that this can be helped by the central government," said Zainal.

Zainal also explained a number of leading destinations in Kaltara that are still not widely known, such as natural caves, tropical forests with biodiversity, as well as giant trees that are not found in other areas. According to him, this potential should be further actively promoted at the national and international levels.

"Kaltara has a charm that is not inferior to other regions, but it needs the role of all parties so that this wealth can be managed and widely known. That is our hope from the support of the DPR and the central government," he concluded.