New Status Of Lake Toba As A UNESCO Global Geopark

Lake Toba seen from Bukit Doa in Huta Ginjang Village, North Tapanuli (Moksa Hutasoit / VOI)

JAKARTA - UNESCO has agreed on Lake Toba in North Sumatra, as part of the Global Geopark. The decision was taken at the 209th Session of the UNESCO Executive Council in Paris, France.

In the event, UNESCO established 16 new Global Geoparks, including the Toba Caldera or better known as Lake Toba. According to the Indonesian Ambassador to UNESCO, Arrmanatha Nasir, the Indonesian government succeeded in convincing the United Nations to have high geological and traditional heritage links with local communities, especially in terms of culture and biodiversity.

"Through this determination, Indonesia can develop the Toba Caldera geopark through the Global Geoparks Network and the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network, especially in terms of empowering local communities," said the man who is familiarly called Tata in his written statement, Wednesday, July 8.

In that context, UNESCO member countries support the preservation and protection of the Toba Caldera as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark. In particular, this determination can also promote economic development and sustainable development in the region.

Through the development of sustainable geo-tourism, there are opportunities for local communities to promote culture, local products and create wider employment opportunities.

"At the same time, with the recognition and attention of the world towards the Toba Caldera, the government and local communities are obliged to improve and continue to preserve the environment and the integrity of the Toba Caldera Area," said Arrmanatha.

It took a long process for Lake Toba to get recognition from UNESCO. However, this is a joint effort of both the central and local governments around the Lake Toba area which is committed to preserving the surrounding cultural traditions.

The Toba Caldera has successfully entered the UNESCO list after being assessed and decided by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council at the IV UNESCO Global Geoparks International Conference in Lombok, Indonesia, on 31 August-2 September 2019.

Congratulations #Indonesia! @UNESCO designated the Toba Caldera as a UNESCO Global Geopark at the 209th session of the UNESCO Executive Council (07/07). This determination will improve the economy through promotion of culture & job creation as well as promoting environmental preservation. #ThisDiplomated pic.twitter.com/r5AzISb1GO

- MoFA Indonesia (@Kemlu_RI) July 8, 2020

The Toba Caldera, North Sumatra Province, was formed from a super volcanic explosion 74,000 years ago. The base of the caldera is filled with water and is the largest lake in Indonesia. The beauty of the Toba Caldera and its rich culture make Lake Toba one of Indonesia's mainstay tourist destinations on the "10 New Bali" list.

Apart from the Toba Caldera, Indonesia already has four other UNESCO Global Geopark sites, namely, Batur, Cileteuh, Gunung Sewu, and Rinjani. Indonesia also has many natural and cultural properties that are included in the UNESCO list, including 10 intangible cultural heritages, 9 cultural and natural heritage sites, and 16 biosphere reserves that have been registered in UNESCO.