Sukabumi, June 30, 2025 — A major moment has returned to Sukabumi Regency with the revalidation of the Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark (CPUGGp) by a UNESCO assessor team. Held at the Sukabumi Pendopo, the opening ceremony was attended by Sukabumi Regent H. Asep Japar, Head of the Sukabumi Regency Tourism Office, Sendi Apriadi, S.STP., M.Si., as well as representatives from regional government agencies (OPD), ministries, the National Museum of Indonesia (KNIU), and the West Java Provincial Government.
In his remarks, Sendi Apriadi stated that this revalidation is not merely a technical or administrative process, but a momentum to reaffirm a deep commitment to sustainable development based on nature conservation and community empowerment.
"We welcome this revalidation with great optimism. However, this optimism is not merely about maintaining UNESCO status. More than that, this is a space to re-ground geopark values in community life, explaining how we can redefine the ecosystem of natural conservation more holistically, while actualizing community empowerment towards prosperity," said Sendi.
Following the opening, two UNESCO assessors, Bojan Rezun from Slovenia and Zhang Chenggong from China, accompanied by Prof. Mega F. Rosana and a team from Padjadjaran University, conducted a field visit to the Geopark Information Center (PIG) in Palabuhanratu, a vital point within the CPUGGp area.
They were immediately impressed. Both assessors praised the PIG's informative and educational displays, which represented not only the geological richness of CPUGGp but also other leading geoparks in Indonesia. "This center reflects the seriousness of comprehensive geopark management," said Bojan.
The visit continued with a meeting with MSMEs and creative economy players who occupied the stalls in the PIG area. The assessors were enthusiastic about the innovation of local products that reflect the rich culture and creativity of the local people. This added value strengthens the community empowerment aspect, one of the main pillars of the UNESCO Global Geopark.
This revalidation is a strategic step to demonstrate that the CPUGGp is not just a globally recognized geological area, but also a living space that fosters an independent, sustainable, and dignified local civilization.

Author: Ilham M Saputra.