Strategic Policy Framework for Sustainable Geopark Development Aimed at Advancing Village Independence within the UNESCO Global Geopark GunungSewu Region
Abstract
Indonesia’s diverse cultural, natural, and geological resources boost tourism. Geoparks are key to sustainable development, and the Gunung Sewu Geopark is recognized by UNESCO. However, its main use in tourism does not yet fully affect the village's independence. This study addresses research gaps by proposing an integrated policy framework that uses multi-criteria analysis to consider economic, social, and environmental factors as an effort to improve village selfsufficiency and governance geopark. Using the multi-criteria policy analysis (MULTIPOL) method, this research examines the alignment among the priorities of scenarios, policies, and action plans. The findings reveal that priority scenarios in Gunung Kidul and Wonogiri enhance GSUGGp community advantages by increasing community awareness (CpcityBhav), with the highest average values of 17.4 and 17, respectively. In Pacitan, two priority scenarios are identified: strengthening regulations and institutions for sustainable GSUGGp management (InstituReg) and CpcityBhav, both with average value of 16.8. Policy and action plan priorities across the three regencies show that Gunung Kidul and Pacitan focus on marketing and boosting tourism activities to stimulate local economies, while Wonogiri emphasizes community-based initiatives through tourism and local entrepreneurship. At the program level, regional differences emerge in priority actions, including partnerships, green investments, education-based tourism, and university collaboration. This study highlights the importance of locally adaptive, integrated policies to overcome institutional fragmentation and promote sustainable Geopark development that strengthens village independence. The strategic framework developed offers practical relevance for geoparks facing similar cross-jurisdictional challenges.
Full text article
References
1. Ríos, C.A.; Amorocho, R.; Villarreal, C.A.; Mantilla, W.; Velandia, F.A.; Castellanos, O.M.; Muñoz, S.I.; Atuesta, D.A.; Jerez, J.H.; Acevedo, O.; et al. Chicamocha Canyon Geopark Project: A Novel Strategy for the Socio-Economic Development of Santander (Colombia) through Geoeducation, Geotourism and Geoconservation. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks 2020, 8, 96–122, doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2020.05.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2020.05.002
2. Ferraro, F.X.; Schilling, M.E.; Baeza, S.; Oms, O.; Sá, A.A. Bottom-up Strategy for the Use of Geological Heritage by Local Communities: Approach in the “Litoral Del Biobío” Mining Geopark Project (Chile). Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association 2020, 131, 500–510, doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pgeola.2020.06.001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pgeola.2020.06.001
3. Adom, D. The Place and Voice of Local People, Culture, and Traditions: A Catalyst for Ecotourism Development in Rural Communities in Ghana. Sci. Afr. 2019, 6, e00184, doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00184. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00184
4. Dousin, O.; Aralas, S.; Denis, J.I. Geopark Development and Community Well-Being: The Case of Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks 2024, 12, 384–395, doi:10.1016/j.ijgeop.2024.06.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2024.06.002
5. Prakarsa, T.B.P.; Ahmadin, K. Diversitas Arthropoda Gua di kawasan Karst Gunung Sewu, Studi gua-gua di Kabupaten Wonogiri. BIOTROPIC The Journal of Tropical Biology 2017, 1, 31–36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29080/biotropic.2017.1.2.31-36
6. Mastika, I.K.; Harsono, S.S.; Khristianto, W.; Oktawirani, P.; Hutama, P.S. Creative Strategies of Local Resources in Managing Geotourism in the Ijen Geopark Bondowoso, East Java, Indonesia. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks 2023, 11, 149–168, doi:10.1016/j.ijgeop.2023.01.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2023.01.002
7. Vitrianto, P.N.; Nuryanti, W.; Rahmi, D.H. Dynamics of Tourism Development in Geosite, Gunungsewu Geopark. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship 2021, 2, 213–232, doi:10.35912/joste.v2i4.836. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v2i4.836
8. Newsome, D.; Ladd, P. The Dimensions of Geotourism with a Spotlight on Geodiversity in a Subdued Landscape. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks 2022, 10, 351–366, doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2022.06.001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2022.06.001
9. Sagala, S.; Rosyidie, A.; Sasongko, M.A.; Syahbid, M.M. Who Gets the Benefits of Geopark Establishment? A Study of Batur Geopark Area, Bali Province, Indonesia. In Proceedings of the IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science; Institute of Physics Publishing, June 1 2018; Vol. 158. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/158/1/012034
10. Molokáč, M.; Kornecká, E.; Tometzová, D. Proposal for Effective Management of Geoparks as a Tool for Sustainable Tourism in the Conditions of the Slovak Republic. Land (Basel). 2024, 13, doi:10.3390/land13071104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071104
11. Ferreira, D.R.; Valdati, J. Geoparks and Sustainable Development: Systematic Review. Geoheritage 2022, 15, 6, doi:10.1007/s12371-022-00775-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-022-00775-9
12. Wiencierz, C.; Lünich, M. Trust in Open Data Applications through Transparency. New Media Soc. 2022, 24, 1751–1770, doi:10.1177/1461444820979708. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444820979708
13. Yuliawati, A.K.; Pribadi, K.N.; Sapari, M.; Hadian, D. Geotourism Resources as Part of Sustainable Development in Geopark Indonesia; 2016;
14. Melica, G.; Bertoldi, P.; Kona, A.; Iancu, A.; Rivas, S.; Zancanella, P. Multilevel Governance of Sustainable Energy Policies: The Role of Regions and Provinces to Support the Participation of Small Local Authorities in the Covenant of Mayors. Sustain. Cities Soc. 2018, 39, 729–739, doi:10.1016/j.scs.2018.01.013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2018.01.013
15. Yu, H.; Lyu, Q.; Jiang, Y. Environmental Regulation, Regional Finance Development and Enterprises’ Cross-Regional Capital Flow. International Review of Economics and Finance 2025, 99, doi:10.1016/j.iref.2025.103984. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2025.103984
16. Butolo, I. Development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Through Geoproducts for Geopark Gorontalo. Jurnal Bina Praja 2022, 14, 251–262, doi:10.21787/jbp.14.2022.251-262. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21787/jbp.14.2022.251-262
17. Rahman, F.F.; Duli, A.; Mulyadi, Y. Development Strategy of Maros Geopark as a Geotourism Destination Community-Based in Maros Regency of South Sulawesi. International Journal of Religion 2024, 5, 3120–3128, doi:10.61707/507w9926. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61707/507w9926
18. Hartawan, B.S.; Erwandha, R.; Irsyadi, M.B.; Hidayat, M.R.A.; Sholih, D. Characteristics of Sewu Mountain Karst as Geopark Area; 2020; Vol. 1;.
19. Reinhart, H.; Putra, R.D.; Rafida, M.R. Karst Ecosystem Services and Their Roles in the Management of Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global Geopark. Sustinere: Journal of Environment and Sustainability 2023, 7, 220–233, doi:https://doi.org/10.22515/sustinere.jes.v7i3.349. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22515/sustinere.jes.v7i3.349
20. Adji, T.N.; Haryono, E.; Fatchurohman, H.; Oktama, R. Diffuse Flow Characteristics and Their Relation to Hydrochemistry Conditions in the Petoyan Spring, Gunungsewu Karst, Java, Indonesia. Geosciences Journal 2016, 20, 381–390, doi:10.1007/s12303-015-0048-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-015-0048-8
21. Nuraini Sekarsih, F.; Mustopa, A.; Mustika Dewi, M.; Pringgondani, R.; Kukuh, K. Wisata Virtual Di Geopark Gunungsewu Kabupaten Gunungkidul Sebagai Media Promosi Pariwisata Daerah. Jurnal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat Nusantara 2024, 5, 2600–2608, doi:10.55338/jpkmn.v5i2.3238. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55338/jpkmn.v5i2.3238
22. Prasetyo, A.H.; Widiyanto, N.; Soeroso, A. Pengembangan Geowisata Berbasis Partisipasi Masyarakat di Kawasan Geopark Gunung Sewu Gunungkidul. ULIL ALBAB: Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin 2023, 2, 2749–2763. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56799/jim.v2i7.1716
23. Sulistyo, A.; Rijanta, R.; Hadna, A.H.; Giyarsih, S.R. Konflik Dan Inovasi Kebijakan Pelestarian Dan Pengembangan Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global Geopark Di Bidang Pariwisata (Studi Di Kabupaten Gunungkidul, D. I. Yogyakarta) Available online: https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/220796 (accessed on 6 July 2025).
24. Godet, M. Creating Futures: Scenario Planning as a Strategic Management Tool; Coates, J.F., Ed.; 2nd ed.; Economica: France, 2006; ISBN 2717852441.
25. Stratigea, A. Participatory Policy Making in Foresight Studies at the Regional Level: A Methodological Approach. Regional Science Inquiry Journal 2013, 5, 145–161.
26. Fauzi, A. Teknik Analisis Keberlanjutan; Gramedia Pustaka Utama: Jakarta, 2019; ISBN 9786020630250.
27. Ariyani, N.; Fauzi, A. Pathways toward the Transformation of Sustainable Rural Tourism Management in Central Java, Indonesia. Sustainability (Switzerland) 2023, 15, doi:10.3390/su15032592. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032592
28. Gomez, R.J.M.; Herrera, T.J.F.; Sierra, C.A.S. Applying MULTIPOL to Determine the Relevance of Projects in a Strategic IT Plan for an Educational Institution. Tecnura 2020, 24, 76–84, doi:10.14483/22487638.16176. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14483/22487638.16176
29. Razavi, S.; Jakeman, A.; Saltelli, A.; Prieur, C.; Iooss, B.; Borgonovo, E.; Plischke, E.; Lo Piano, S.; Iwanaga, T.; Becker, W.; et al. The Future of Sensitivity Analysis: An Essential Discipline for Systems Modeling and Policy Support. Environmental Modelling and Software 2021, 137, doi:10.1016/j.envsoft.2020.104954. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2020.104954
30. Miftakhova, A. Global Sensitivity Analysis for Optimal Climate Policies: Finding What Truly Matters. Econ. Model. 2021, 105, doi:10.1016/j.econmod.2021.105653. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2021.105653
31. Wijaya, H.; Kusmana, C.; Rusdiana, O.; Rushayati, S.B. Identification of Forest City Multi-Policy Using the MULTIPOL: A Study In The New Indonesian Capital, East Kalimantan. Jurnal Pengelolaan Sumberdaya Alam dan Lingkungan 2024, 14, 866–874, doi:10.29244/jpsl.14.4.866. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29244/jpsl.14.4.866
32. Setiono, A.; Priyana, Y.; Sasmito, P.; Nurhajra, A. Analysis of the Impact of Increasing Tourist Visits on Economic Growth in Palabuhanratu Sukabumi Tourism Destinations. West Science Journal Economic and Entrepreneurship 2023, 1, 1–6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58812/wsee.v1i02.64
33. Malatyinszki, S.; Kálmán, B.G.; Dávid, L.D. The Role of Geoparks in Sustainable Tourism Development: A Case Study Approach. Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites 2025, 59, 572–586, doi:10.30892/gtg.59206-1438. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.59206-1438
34. Slamet, A.S.; Purwawangsa, H.; Prawiro, B.P.; Isbayu, M.; Irfany, M.I.; Haq, D.A. Community-Based Business Ecosystem of Coffee with the One Village One CEO Program at Cikajang Garut. IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci. 2024, 1358, 1–5, doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1358/1/012040. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1358/1/012040
35. Hulu, M.; Brian, R.; Pratiyudha, D.; Kusumo, E. Tourism Industry Partnerships: Partnership Opportunities for MSMEs and Large Business in Palembang City; 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/aebmr.k.211223.003
36. Gretzinger, S.; Leick, B.; Jebsen, S.; Schramm, F. Engagement and Participation of Stakeholders in Regional Development Projects and the Emergence of Bridging and Bonding Social Capital. Manag. Rev. 2025; 2025, 36, 42871, doi:10.31083/MRev42871. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31083/MRev42871
37. Ngo, T.H.; Tournois, N.; Dinh, T.L.T.; Chu, M.T.; Phan, C.S. Sustainable Community-Based Tourism Development: Capacity Building for Community; The Case Study in Cam Kim, Hoi An, Vietnam. Journal of Sustainability Research 2024, 6, 1–20, doi:10.20900/jsr20240022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20900/jsr20240022
38. Ford, D.; Williams, P. Karst Hydrogeology and Geomorphology; Wiley: Chichester, 2007; ISBN 9780470849965. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118684986
39. Podovac, M.; Alkier, R.; Milojica, V. Green Investments in the Function of Development of Tourism and Hospitality of the Republic of Serbia. In Proceedings of the The Eighth International Scientific Conference TOURISM AND GREEN INVESTMENTS Conference Proceedings; University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjačka Banja, July 13 2024; pp. 280–289. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52370/TISC24280MP
40. Roy, B.; Upadhyay, S.K. Green Investments as a Vital Tool to Maintain the Sustainability of Tourist Destination: Gangtok, Sikkim-A Case Study. Annals of Multidisciplinary Research, Innovation and Technology (AMRIT) 2024, 3, 154–158.
41. Thompson, S. Green and Sustainable Finance: Principles and Practice in Banking, Investment and Insurance; 2nd Edition.; Kogan Page: New Delhi, 2023; ISBN 9781398609259.
42. Li, Z.; Chen, P. Sustainable Finance Meets FinTech: Amplifying Green Credit’s Benefits for Banks. Sustainability 2024, 16, 7901, doi:10.3390/su16187901. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187901
43. Peraturan Presiden Republik Indonesia Peraturan Presiden Nomor 98 Tahun 2021 tentang Penyelenggaraan Nilai Ekonomi Karbon untuk Pencapaian Target Kontribusi yang Ditetapkan Secara Nasional dan Pengendalian Emisi Gas Rumah Kaca dalam Pembangunan Nasional; LN.2021/No.249, jdih.setneg.go.id : 68 hlm.: Indonesia, 2021; Vol. 10, pp. 279–288;. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33331/rechtsvinding.v10i2.720
44. Indonesia, R. Peraturan menteri ESDM nomor 16 tahun 2022 tentang tata cara penyelenggara nilai ekonomi karbon subsektor pembangkit tenaga listrik; BN.2022 (1323) : 18 hlm.; peraturan.go.id: Indonesia, 2022; p. 22;.
45. Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan Indonesia Peraturan Menteri Lingkungan Hidup Dan Kehutanan Nomor 7 Tahun 2023 tentang Tata Cara Perdagangan Karbon Sektor Kehutanan; BN 2023 (457) : 18 hlm: Indonesia, 2023; pp. 1–18;.
46. Hadian, M.S.D.; Barkah, M.N.; Khadidjah, U.L.S.; Yuliawati, A.K.; Aryanti, A.N.; Suhardiman, S. Urban Geotourism Development in the Perspective of Stakeholders. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks 2025, 13, 102–116, doi:10.1016/j.ijgeop.2024.12.001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2024.12.001
47. Yang, S. The Role of University Students in Geoscience Activities: An Example from Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark, China. In Abstract Book: The 8th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium 08-15 September 2024; UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, APGN Asia Pacific Geoparks Network: Cao Bang, 2024; p. 123.
48. Xiaoyuan, Z. Ningde UGGP’s Explorations and Achievements in Science Popularization and Study Tours. In Abstract Book: The 8th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium 08-15 September 2024; UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, APGN Asia Pacific Geoparks Network: Cao Bang, 2024; p. 113.
49. Wahyudin, Y.A.; Munir, A.M.; Rizki, K. Effectiveness of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Regime on Local Community Development in the Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark Area. In; 2023; pp. 251–263. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-362-7_19
50. Djabbari, M.H.; Alwi; Suryadi Public Private Partnership Model in Tourism Development in North Toraja District. Enrichment: Journal of Management 2021, 11, 378–382.
51. Mason, P. Tourism Impacts, Planning and Management; Butterworth Heinemann: Oxford, 2003; ISBN 075065970X.
52. Wondirad, A.; Tolkach, D.; King, B. Stakeholder Collaboration as a Major Factor for Sustainable Ecotourism Development in Developing Countries. Tour. Manag. 2020, 78, doi:10.1016/j.tourman.2019.104024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2019.104024
53. Jackson, L.A. Community-Based Tourism: A Catalyst for Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals One and Eight. Tourism and Hospitality 2025, 6, doi:10.3390/tourhosp6010029. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6010029
54. Priatama, R.A.; Rustiadi, E.; Widiatmaka, W.; Pravitasari, A.E. Physical Geographical Factors Leading to the Disparity of Regional Development: The Case Study of Java Island. Indonesian Journal of Geography 2022, 54, 195–205, doi:10.22146/ijg.66729. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/ijg.66729
55. Lee, Y.J.; Jayakumar, R. Economic Impact of UNESCO Global Geoparks on Local Communities: Comparative Analysis of Three UNESCO Global Geoparks in Asia. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks 2021, 9, 189–198, doi:10.1016/j.ijgeop.2021.02.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2021.02.002
56. Leung, Y.-F.; Spenceley, A.; Hvenegaard, G.; Buckley, R. Tourism and Visitor Management in Protected Areas: Guidelines for Sustainability; Groves, C.R., Ed.; 27th ed.; IUCN: Gland, 2018; ISBN 978-2-8317-1898-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2018.PAG.27.en
57. Baloch, Q.B.; Shah, S.N.; Iqbal, N.; Sheeraz, M.; Asadullah, M.; Mahar, S.; Khan, A.U. Impact of Tourism Development upon Environmental Sustainability: A Suggested Framework for Sustainable Ecotourism. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2023, 30, 5917–5930, doi:10.1007/s11356-022-22496-w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-22496-w
Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Rizki Praba Nugraha, Akhmad Fauzi, Ernan Rustiadi, Sambas Basuni
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
Article Details
How to Cite
