inp.polri.go.id - The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Menparekraf/Baparekraf), Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, is optimistic that Geopark Ijen, located in Banyuwangi, East Java, can achieve a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) status. "We encourage Banyuwangi to become a tourism destination through increasing the added value of tourism and also increasing the length of visits and higher tourist expenditures with the stipulation of Ijen as UGG," explained the Menparekraf. Sandiaga also explained that the development of Banyuwangi tourism specifically relies on four leading tourist attractions, namely the Ijen Natural Park Area, Alas Purwo National Park, Meru Betiri National Park, and Baluran National Park. If Geropark Ijen is designated as UGG, it will complement the previous UGGs in Indonesia such as Geopark Batur in 2012, Geopark Gunung Sewu in 2015, Geopark Cileteuh in 2018, Geopark Rinjani in 2018, Geopark Caldera Toba in 2020, and Geopark Belitung in 2020. "I hope that all parties support the establishment of Ijen as the Geopark, because apart from Ijen, this year there will be other Geoparks whose status will be upgraded, such as the Maros Pangkep Geopark in South Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, and Merangin Jambi," explained the Menparekraf. The criteria for geoparks to become Unesco Global Geoparks include 35% of geology and landscapes (territorial, geo-conservation, natural and cultural heritage), 25% of management structures, 15% of interpretation and environmental education, 15% of geotourism, and 10% sustainable regional economic development. "My hope is that we can all work together to develop the Ijen Geopark, and together we can realize quality and sustainable tourism, especially in Banyuwangi Regency," he said.