Jakarta, September 18, 2025, The Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO (KNIU) convened a coordination meeting to address an urgent priority: safeguarding the archives of UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) in Indonesia. The discussion centered on ensuring that certificates and key documents of international recognition are stored securely, authentically, and remain accessible for the nation’s benefit.
Certificates issued directly by UNESCO are more than formal acknowledgments—they symbolize the world’s recognition of Indonesia’s cross-sector efforts, from central and local governments to community participation, in protecting geological, cultural, and natural heritage of universal value. To date, Indonesia has secured 84 UNESCO designations, including 12 UNESCO Global Geoparks. However, only Belitong and Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu have formally submitted their certificates to the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI) as part of the country’s Collective Memory program.
The meeting aimed to:
- Build synergy between Indonesia’s UNESCO National Committees, particularly the National Geopark Committee and the National Memory of the World Committee.
- Raise awareness of the importance of submitting vital national archives to authorized institutions.
- Guarantee the safety, authenticity, and accessibility of UNESCO Global Geopark certificates as state archives.
- Ensure the availability of archives for governance, development, research, and public knowledge.
- Initiate a mechanism for transferring original UNESCO Global Geopark certificates from management bodies to ANRI through the National Geopark Committee.
Attendees included the Acting Executive Chair of KNIU, members of the Expert Council for the Collective Memory of the Nation Committee, the Deputy for Rescue, Preservation, and Protection of Archives at ANRI, and representatives from Bappenas’ Directorate of Energy, Natural Resources, and Mining.
By preserving these critical documents, Indonesia not only secures its international recognition for future reference but also strengthens its national identity and pride. The initiative reflects the government’s vision to treat international acknowledgments not merely as ceremonial achievements but as vital state records with historical, cultural, and developmental value.
This coordination marks a significant step toward institutionalizing the protection of UNESCO-related archives as part of the nation’s legacy. It ensures that Indonesia’s global achievements remain an accessible and enduring collective heritage for generations to come.