The increasing global recognition of geologically valuable areas in Indonesia prompted a group of students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) to investigate further whether international status such as UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) actually brings tangible benefits to the communities living around it.
Through the 2025 Social Humanities Research Student Creativity Program (PKM-RSH) scheme, a cross-faculty UNAIR team successfully obtained funding for the Student Creativity Program (PKM) organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemendiktisaintek RI). The PKM funding competition consists of two schemes, namely the funding scheme and the incentive scheme. The PKM Funding Scheme is initial financial assistance provided by Kemendiktisaintek RI to student groups to implement creative ideas that they have submitted and passed the selection. This scheme covers the fields of PKM-RE, PKM-KC, PKM-KI, PKM-PM, PKM-K, PKM-VGK, and PKM-RSH which were successfully obtained by the Geopark Team. Meanwhile, the PKM incentive scheme is a form of appreciation in the form of non-financial incentives given to student groups for their best work in the form of articles. The fields covered by this scheme are PKM-AI and PKM-GFT. The Universitas Airlangga successfully secured funding. Out of a total of 33,039 PKM 2025 proposals, only 1,590 teams made it to the funding stage.
The Geopark Team, with its success as a funded team, presented a research entitled "Comparative Evaluation Study: The Impact of the Different UNESCO Global Geopark Status of Ijen and Bojonegoro National Geopark on Local Communities." The Geopark Team, with its supervisor Mr. Angga Erlando., SE., M.Ec.Dev (Head of the Student Achievement Assistance Center, FEB Unair), consists of five students led by Bey Fitria Salsabila (FEB-2022) with members Muhammad Taufiq Hidayat (FEB-2022), Diza Ulya Nurfaizah (FKM-2022), Mohamad Devan Tri Oktavadhan (FKM-2022), and Bagas Putut Pratama (FKM-2024). They combined economic, social, environmental and community education perspectives to comprehensively assess the impact of geopark designation on the lives of local communities.
Uncovering UGGp: Global Prestige That Should Reach the Grassroots
A geopark is a regional management concept that integrates geological aspects and local wisdom into a sustainable development system. UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) is a form of recognition granted by UNESCO to areas with geological heritage deemed to have unique value. However, this international recognition does not necessarily translate into tangible impacts at the local level.
UGGp status is often understood merely as a symbol of prestige or global achievement. However, the spirit behind this designation is how area management can improve community well-being through conservation, education, and a sustainable economy.
The Geopark area not only offers captivating natural panoramas but also serves as a significant economic hub for the local community. Economic activities in the Geopark area include the trade of agricultural products, the sale of handicrafts, tour guide services, homestays, and even micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) scattered along the tourist route. Every holiday, the surge in tourist visits triggers an increase in local consumption, which directly impacts businesses. Ms. Elis, the owner of one of the MSMEs in the Ijen Geopark, stated that her shop's turnover on peak days can reach IDR 8 million per day. This fact demonstrates that the Geopark can be a driving force for the economy if managed properly by optimizing community involvement in the tourism supply chain.
Field Findings: Low Literacy and Minimal Socialization
This research has entered the field data collection stage in two areas, which began last July. The results are that the Ijen Geopark has been recognized as a UGGp since 2023, and the Bojonegoro Geopark, which currently still has national status and is in the process of being submitted to UNESCO.
During the survey at the Ijen Geopark, the team uncovered several interesting findings, one of which was the low level of public awareness regarding the geopark concept and its status. Many residents were unaware that their residential areas were part of the Geopark. They knew the area was beautiful and had tourist attractions, but were unaware of its UNESCO status.
Furthermore, previously existing informational facilities, such as geopark signage, have disappeared or are in disrepair. Many visiting tourists claim to be attracted by the natural beauty, not the UNESCO status. This demonstrates that branding and public communication regarding the UGGp have not been optimal.
This fact became even more compelling when the geopark team interviewed tourism managers and local government officials. While the Department of Culture and Tourism understands the UNESCO Global Geopark's (UGGp) overarching goal of promoting sustainable tourism, its implementation on the ground still faces challenges such as inadequate coordination, resources, and community empowerment programs.
This indicates a gap between the expected benefits of UGGp status and the reality experienced by the community. Without proper outreach and structured empowerment programs, there are concerns that UGGp status will become merely a ceremonial award.
Therefore, the PKM team led by Bey Fitria from FEB UNAIR will strive for transparent research results, support the welfare of local communities, and become a bridge for developers and stakeholders.
This research also received full support from the lecturers at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Airlangga. Interestingly, this support wasn't limited to a specific field of study; all FEB UNIAR lecturers, regardless of academic background, were willing to share their experiences and knowledge with the Geopark team in supporting this research.
The main obstacles to this research were the difficulty in aligning schedules with developers and stakeholders, as well as the various bureaucratic processes that had to be navigated. However, this did not hinder the team's enthusiasm for optimal research. In fact, the research process was enjoyable, as it provided the team with the opportunity to visit several extraordinary geological heritage sites in Indonesia and interact directly with people from diverse backgrounds. These encounters revealed the insight that opportunities often exist all around us, but only a few are able to recognize and develop them.
It is hoped that the results of this research will not be limited to written reports but will also serve as an empirical basis for policymaking in the social, economic, environmental, and educational sectors. The research findings can serve as a reference for the government and stakeholders in formulating tourism development strategies, investment potential, and the provision of adequate infrastructure.
Moreover, this research reflects the real role of universities in implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education: education, research, and community service. The public's perspective, which has traditionally viewed universities solely as job creators, needs to shift to a paradigm that sees universities as centers for solving real societal problems and driving impactful change.
