Page 171 - Demo
P. 171


                                    1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 2025170Assessment of Geosite and Geomorphosite Potential for Geotourism in the Indonesia%u2013Timor-Leste Border Region, North Central TimorHerry Z. Kotta*and Robertho KadjiFakultas Sains dan Teknik, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Jl. Adisucipto, Indonesia*Corresponding Author: zadrak3k@gmail.comAbstractThe western part of North Central Timor geographically borders Oe-Cusse, an exclave of Timor-Leste. This area contains candidate geosites and geomorphosites that have the potential to be designated as geological heritage and developed as geotourism destinations. These sites could also serve as the foundation for proposing a future transboundary geopark between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. This study aims to assess geosites and geomorphosites in the Indonesia%u2013Timor-Leste border region through field observations that describe geological conditions and classify geosites and geomorphosites. A quantitative assessment was conducted using four criteria established by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM, 2017): scientific value, educational value, tourism value, and risk of degradation. Field surveys identified 12 sites grouped into 10 categories. These include existing tourist attractions and geological wonders shaped by natural processes, such as complex geological structures, cherty and red limestone formations, ultrabasic rocks, the Tuamese Lagoon, the Napan and Oesilo mud volcanoes, porphyry diorite intrusions, pyroclastic rocks, ancient volcanic landscapes, waterfalls on both sides of the border, and the historical landing site of Portuguese missionaries on Timor Island. The total geotourism potential scores of the 12 sites range from 218.7 to 301 out of a maximum score of 400, indicating medium to high tourism potential. To be formally recognized as a transboundary geopark, the area must fulfill three core pillars: geodiversity, biodiversity, and cultural diversity. The assessed geosites and geomorphosites contribute to the geodiversity component. Therefore, further collaborative research between Indonesia and Timor-Leste is recommended to support the development of a joint geopark initiative.Keywords: border, geotourism, geopark, Indonesia, Kefamenanu, Oe-cusse %u2013 Timor Leste.
                                
   165   166   167   168   169   170   171   172   173   174   175