The validation process for Bojonegoro Regency's eligibility to hold the official status of UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) has now entered a crucial phase. Two assessors from the global organization went directly to the field to review and ensure the alignment between the application documents and the reality of the existing geosites.
In its international submission, Bojonegoro presents a geological uniqueness themed "The Unique Petroleum System on Land". This theme highlights rare characteristics in the form of an integrated ancient terrestrial petroleum system, which serves as the primary identity of the geopark area.
The assessment team, consisting of Andreas Josef Schüller from Germany and Li Yue from China, began their field visit at the Kawengan Anticline Geosite. The inspection route then continued to the anticline outcrop, the Wonocolo Geopark Guest House and Museum, the Avocado Orchard agrotourism area, the Teksas Wonocolo viewing post, the Wonocolo Hargomulyo Geosite, and finally concluded at the Bulu Formation Geosite.
During their visit to Wonocolo, the two assessors directly observed the traditional oil mining and refining activities managed generationally by the local community. This heritage of community-based oil industry rooted in local wisdom is projected to be the main attraction to strengthen Bojonegoro Geopark's bargaining power on the global stage. In addition to geological potential, the hospitality of local residents was also shown through the presentation of traditional culinary delights, such as "nasi gulung" (rolled rice) and "dawet hitam" (black jelly beverage) unique to Tinumpuk Village.
Assistant for Economy and Development of the Bojonegoro Regency Regional Secretariat, Andik Sudjarwo, revealed that the terrestrial petroleum system theme is a highly rare comparative advantage. In Indonesia, a similar concept is only found in North Sumatra and Bojonegoro. Andik mentioned that the proposal dossier has received positive appreciation from the UNESCO Secretariat.
Echoing this, the Head of Bappeda (Regional Development Planning Agency) of Bojonegoro Regency, Helmy Elizabeth, explained that the assessment team had received a comprehensive presentation covering geological wealth, biodiversity, cultural preservation efforts, and the active involvement of the local community. If the UGGp certification is successfully achieved, the status is expected to boost the tourism sector, attract new investments, and strengthen the commitment to preserving the Earth's heritage in Bojonegoro.
