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.

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).

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 Hoses 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 Hoses 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

Figure 1: Nature and Scope of Geotourism (Dowling and

Newsome, 2006; in Dowling 2011)

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.

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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 earths 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

e.

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.
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 Earths 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

PROCEEDINGS
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 citys
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 Indonesias
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.

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

geotrekking in active volcano.

Concluding Remarks
1.

2.

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.
Since Indonesia is a geological wonderland,
geotourism is rapidly being recognized as an exciting
new direction for tourism surrounding geological and

PROCEEDINGS
HAGI-IAGI Joint Convention Medan 2013
28 31 October

3.

geomorphologic
attractions
and
destinations.
Geotourism development in Indonesia will come into
a new era with various current supporting
governmental policies.
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 Consultants 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. Geotourisms 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, Books Chapter in Sustainable Tourism,
Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (in press).

Acknowledgements
The author wished to thank to the committee of IAGIHAGI 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 books chapter draft written by Arzyana Sunkar and
Budi Brahmantyo on Sustainable Tourism that will be
published by Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.