Belitung, November 11, 2025 — The Government of Belitung Regency, in collaboration with the Regional House of Representative Council (DPRD) of Belitung Regency, organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on November 11, 2025, to discuss efforts to protect one of Belitong’s most distinctive geological heritages, the Bilitonite Tektite, locally known as Satam. The discussion marked an important step toward the drafting of a Regional Regulation (Peraturan Daerah) on the Protection of Satam Geological Heritage.
The proposed regulation builds upon Provincial Regulation No. 5 of 2021 on Geological Environmental Protection and Geopark Development, which was previously enacted by the Bangka Belitung Islands Provincial Government. This provincial regulation serves as a key legal foundation for the ongoing efforts to preserve Satam, ensuring its sustainability as part of Belitung’s rich geological and cultural identity.
The FGD was chaired by the Regional Secretary of Belitung Regency, who also serves ex officio as the Chairperson of the Belitong Geopark Management Body. The event gathered representatives from local government agencies, academics, and community groups, reflecting a collaborative commitment to safeguarding the island’s geological heritage.
Satam, a rare black glass-like tektite formed by meteorite impact millions of years ago, is not only scientifically valuable but also culturally significant for the people of Belitung. It has become a local symbol of pride and an attraction that contributes to the region’s geoheritage-based tourism development. The preservation of Satam is therefore essential not only for scientific research but also for cultural continuity and sustainable tourism.
Through this initiative, the Belitung Regency Government and DPRD demonstrated their proactive role in strengthening the management of geological heritage in alignment with global geopark standards. The FGD served as a strategic platform to align local policies, scientific recommendations, and community perspectives in formulating the upcoming regional regulation.
Moreover, this initiative reflects Belitong’s strong commitment to supporting the revalidation of the Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, scheduled for 2026. The upcoming revalidation is expected to reaffirm Belitong’s global recognition as a geopark that integrates conservation, education, and sustainable local development.
By establishing a regional regulation to protect Satam, Belitung aims to preserve its geological legacy for future generations while enhancing its international reputation as an island that harmonizes nature, science, and culture.