GEOPARK GUNUNG SEWU (film by Cahyo Alkantana) By BADAN GEOLOGI INDONESIA

Summary

Gunung Sewu Geopark in Indonesia spans 480 km, offering a stunning landscape of limestone hills, caves, and tropical karst formations. Stretching across three provinces, the park is a hub for geological wonders, with over 400 mapped caves and unique wildlife. Rich in history, it was once home to prehistoric human cultures, evidenced by megalithic structures. The region thrives in eco-tourism, with attractions like Goa Gong and ancient volcanic formations. The Gunung Sewu Geopark is striving for UNESCO recognition, balancing conservation, education, and local community development to ensure a sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Gunung Sewu Geopark spans 480 km and features 40,000 limestone hills, showcasing its rich natural beauty, biodiversity, and unique culture.
• 🌍 The Geopark stretches over 120 km, from Parang Tritis in South Yogyakarta to Pacitan Bay in East Java, Indonesia.
• ⛰️ Gunung Sewu's landscape is a tropical karst region, with cone-shaped and sinusoidal hills, and features steep slopes along its southern edge.
• 🌊 The area is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and volcanic mountain ridges to the north, consisting of remnants from ancient volcanic activity.
• 🦴 The Gunung Sewu region contains fossils of marine animals from 2 million years ago, showcasing its ancient underwater origins.
• 🧭 The region's karst features, including limestone hills and valleys, are formed by water erosion, creating unique topographical formations.
• 🕳️ Underground caves, including the longest and deepest systems on Java, such as Luang Gerubuh and Luang Jaran, are significant geological features in the area.
• 🌱 Gunung Sewu's karst system supports unique ecosystems, with caves providing habitats for species like bats and swallows.
• 🌍 The region is home to over 400 caves, many of which are managed for eco-tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to explore underground rivers and formations.
• 🏛️ The Gunung Sewu Geopark has historical significance, with evidence of prehistoric human settlements, including Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts and megalithic structures.

Q & A

What is the Gunung Sewu Geopark?

Gunung Sewu Geopark is a vast area spanning 480 km², famous for its limestone hills, unique flora and fauna, and rich culture. It stretches across three provinces in Indonesia, including Yogyakarta, Central Java, and East Java.

What are the unique geological features of Gunung Sewu?

Gunung Sewu is known for its tropical karst landscape, featuring cone-shaped hills, sinuous hills, deep valleys, and sharp cliffs. It is formed from 15 to 20 million-year-old limestone that has been lifted from the sea and shaped by water erosion.

What is the significance of the cave systems in Gunung Sewu?

The caves in Gunung Sewu are unique, with some being vertical or horizontal, and contain a variety of natural formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. They are some of the deepest and longest cave systems in Java, with underground rivers and diverse ecosystems.

How old is the limestone formation in Gunung Sewu?

The limestone in Gunung Sewu is approximately 15 to 20 million years old. It has undergone significant geological processes, including uplift and erosion, which shaped the karst landscape.

How did Gunung Sewu's unique geological features form?

Gunung Sewu's karst landscape formed due to the dissolution of limestone by rainwater, resulting in characteristic topographies like hills, valleys, and caves. The area's geological structure is also influenced by fault lines and fractures in the earth's crust.

What is the importance of the Gunung Sewu Geopark for conservation?

Gunung Sewu Geopark plays a critical role in conservation, as it preserves unique geological and biological landscapes. The area is being developed as a UNESCO Global Geopark to ensure the protection of its natural heritage and to promote sustainable tourism and education.

What are some historical aspects of Gunung Sewu?

Gunung Sewu has a rich historical significance. Fossils of marine animals from 2 million years ago have been found, and the area was once submerged underwater. Additionally, prehistoric human settlements have been identified, revealing ancient cultures such as the Pacitanian culture.

What are some notable caves in Gunung Sewu?

Notable caves in Gunung Sewu include the Goa Gong cave in Pacitan, known for its unique formations and long stalactites and stalagmites. Another example is the Goa Museum KS, which houses fossils and replicas of ancient humans, offering insights into prehistoric life.

What is the cultural importance of Gunung Sewu?

Gunung Sewu holds cultural importance as it has been inhabited by prehistoric humans, with evidence of megalithic structures such as stone tombs and menhirs. The region is also home to local communities that play an active role in preserving the environment and promoting ecotourism.

How is Gunung Sewu being developed for tourism?

Gunung Sewu is being developed as an ecotourism destination with attractions like cave exploration, hiking, and cultural education. The local community is involved in the development, ensuring that tourism is sustainable and supports both conservation and the social economy of the area.