Dieng Plateau Feasible To Be World-Class Geopark: Researcher

Sabtu, 9 April 2016 06:52 WIB

Suasana kawasan Telaga Warna di Dataran Tinggi Dieng, Banjarnegara, Jawa Tengah, Senin (23/11/15). Telaga Warna merupakan salah satu tujuan wisata favorit di Dataran Tinggi Dieng yang berada di ketinggian 2.000 meter di atas permukaan laut. ANTARA FO

This was stated by Priatna, a researcher from the Geological Agency of Bandung, West Java, here on Friday.

"In Indonesia, there are two world-class geoparks, the Mount Batur in Bali and Gunungsewu in Yogyakarta," he added.

Dieng plateau is recognized by many people for its beautiful volcanic panorama. For tourists, this place is so attractive that it makes people want to visit over and over again.

As for scientists, Dieng is a giant laboratory where a large number of biological and geological diversities are preserved.

Priatna explained that one of the interesting phenomena was the potentially toxic gases that came out of the crater of Mount Dieng.

"In 1979, there was a case of these toxic gases when hundreds of people became victims because of their lack of knowledge. This inspired me to undertake more exploration in Dieng," Priatna said.

He said if it is turned into a geopark, recognized by the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG), more academics, researchers and tourists will visit Dieng.

"Its status as a geopark will also help protect its biodiversities and ecosystem," he added.

Dieng area (DTD) is a plateau with volcanic activity below the surface.

Dieng is a caldera with mountains in the vicinity. There are many craters where gas, water vapors and various other volcanic material keep coming out.