Merangin Regency in Jambi Province is not only famous for having the oldest fossil flora heritage in Southeast Asia, but also harbors an extraordinary abundance of geological wealth. The area, which now holds the status of Merangin Jambi UNESCO Global Geopark (MJUGGp), features a unique landscape consisting of five mountains and seven lakes with highly valuable scientific characteristics.
This geological potential was presented by the General Manager of the MJUGGp Management Board, Dr. Agus Zainuddin, during the Jambi Culture Week. Through an exhibition titled "Elok Nian Merajut Tuah Merawat Marwah Adat Merangin" (Beautifully Weaving Fortune, Preserving the Dignity of Merangin Customs), the management team aimed to educate the public about this natural wealth and the importance of preserving the earth's heritage in the region known as "Bumi Tali Undang Tambang Teliti" (Land of Strict Laws and Precise Mining).
Among the prominent landscapes are five mountains: Mount Masurai, Mount Ulu Nilo, Mount Sumbing, Mount Tungkat, and Mount Duo Beradik. One of the rarest geological phenomena is found at Mount Tungkat. Instead of erupting explosively due to vertical volcanic pressure, the mountain's body split naturally, causing its magma flow to run directly into the Tembesi River.
This volcanological event from millions of years ago left behind exotic traces of columnar joint rock structures along the river flow. In the Ngaroim Column area, square and hexagonal rocks are neatly arranged as a result of the magma cooling process. This rock formation is believed to be one of the largest columnar joint systems in Indonesia and serves as a natural laboratory for both domestic and international researchers.
Despite harboring great potential, the volcanological mysteries of the region are not yet fully solved. The status of Mount Masurai is still being researched as it continues to show indications of minor volcanic activity, while Mount Sumbing is confirmed to be an active volcano. On the other hand, Merangin also boasts seven exotic lakes, including Lake Pauh, formed from an ancient eruption, and Lake Depati IV, which is six times larger than the other lakes in the region.
This diverse landscape serves as a strong asset for Merangin to accelerate its geotourism sector. The management emphasized that the development of geology-based tourism aims not only to attract tourists but also to drive the local economy while prioritizing nature conservation and the preservation of local customs and culture.
