Overview of Bayah Dome Geopark

Let us give thanks to Allah, as through His grace and guidance, we are able to come together on this good occasion, in good health. Geopark is one of the tools for sustainable development for the well-being of the people, which integrates three diversities, namely geological diversity, biodiversity, and cultural diversity (UNESCO).

The district of Lebak has many geological and cultural heritages, which are rich in biodiversity and have potential to be developed into a national or even international-class Geopark. Bayah Dome Geopark is evidence of the Lebak District Government's commitment, initiated by the Regent and Vice Regent, to create a national Geopark that can drive innovative and collaborative community empowerment activities that involve all stakeholders (Pentahelix), and can ensure the sustainability of natural resources.

Based on Presidential Regulation No. 9 of 2019 on the Development of Earth Parks (Geoparks), it is a single or combined geographic area that has geological heritage sites (Geosites) and valuable natural landscapes, related to Geological Heritage, Geological Diversity, Biodiversity, and Cultural Diversity. According to the "KEPUTUSAN MENTERI ENERGI DAN SUMBER DAYA MINERAL REPUBLIK INDONESIA NOMOR: 164.K/HK.02/MEM.G/2022 TENTANG PENETAPAN WARISAN GEOLOGI", 32 (thirty-two) Geological Heritage Sites (Geoherithage) have been established in 14 sub-districts.

Geoparks aim for sustainable area development, with a paradigm shift from extraction to conservation, through 3 main pillars, namely Protection, Education, and Research, and Community Economic Development. As public awareness about the importance of preserving geological heritage increases, Geoparks also introduce the identity of the region, which will foster a sense of pride among the people for the existence of the nature around them.

The Bayah Dome (Bayah Dome) is already well known internationally in geological terms, since Van Bemmelen, a Dutch geologist, wrote a book about the Geology of Indonesia that was published in 1949, in which he discussed the formation of the Bayah Dome. The Bayah Dome (Bayah Dome) is a structure or natural extension of a volcano that is Neogen to Quaternary (23 - 0.01 million years ago). In the Bayah Dome area, gold, silver and other valuable metal deposits were also formed, making it also known as the "Gold District", so this area has been known as a gold mine since colonial times and there is still active mining in some places today. In the north-center, there is a depression zone (valley) known as the Citorek Depression Zone or more commonly known as the Land Above the Clouds. Internationally, the name Bayah Dome is well known, especially among geological experts.

Based on the process of formation, the main theme of the Bayah Dome Geopark development is "Blessing from the Bayah Dome Process".

The preparation of a proper plan and strategy, along with its implementation, must be carried out thoroughly, in order to achieve the goal of developing the Geopark. The Geopark development strategy specifically for tourism, formulated based on the results of inventory, identification, analysis, strategic issues, principles, that are in line with the vision, mission, targets, and policies. The community and the youth must be able to recognize and map the various potentials that exist so that they can be developed and be able to prepare a participatory strategy and plan to preserve the Bayah Dome Geopark area.

In line with this, the involvement of the community and the youth as the main actors and players in the effort to preserve and develop sustainable economic growth in the Geopark area, of course, must prepare themselves as soon as possible by being involved in planning, implementation, and management. Through quality training in the field of ecotourism and geotourism (special interest tourism destinations), it is hoped that local business activities that are innovative, new job opportunities and capable of stimulating the growth of new sources of income from local economic potentials (geoproducts) will be created.

On behalf of the Bayah Dome Geopark Management Body, the community and the Lebak Regency Government, I personally express my gratitude to all parties, the Central Government and the Banten Province Government, and all relevant parties for their attention and support to the Lebak Regency Government in realizing the Bayah Dome Geopark as an Inclusive and Global Tourist Destination.

That's all and thank you,  Wassalamu’alaikum Warohmatullahi Wabarokatuh