Kebumen Geopark has officially been designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG). The decision was made at the 221st session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris, France, held from April 2-17, 2025.
During the session, the 58 member states of the UNESCO Executive Board unanimously approved 16 geopark nominations from 11 countries, including Kebumen. This recognition highlights the area's rich geological, biological, and cultural diversity.
The term "Kabumian," meaning earth science, reflects the aspiration for this region to be a source of knowledge about the Earth. The origins of Kebumen Geopark trace back to 2004 when the President of Indonesia designated the Southern Gombong Karst Landscape as a sustainable development area.
In 2006, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) declared the Karangsambung area as a Geological Nature Reserve. A significant step occurred in 2018 when the Kebumen Regency Government proposed the establishment of the Karangsambung - Karangbolong Geopark.
This proposal was approved and designated as a National Geopark on November 30, 2018. Initially, the geopark covered 543.599 square kilometers, encompassing 12 sub-districts and 117 villages, with diverse landscapes ranging from hills and valleys to plains and beaches.
In 2023, through Regent Regulation Number 25 of 2023, the Kebumen Regency Government changed the name of the Geopark to Kebumen Geopark. This change also marked the expansion of the geopark area, which now includes a land area of 1,138.70 square kilometers and a sea area of 21.98 square kilometers, covering 22 sub-districts and 374 villages.
Kebumen Geopark also boasts natural beauty that attracts tourists. In the Gombong sub-district of Kebumen, there are several beaches known for their beauty, including Ayah Beach, Menganti Beach, and Surumanis Beach.
Besides offering stunning coastal landscapes, Kebumen Geopark features caves that serve as tourist destinations. One of the most well-known caves is Jatijajar Cave, where visitors can explore the mesmerizing rock formations inside.
Beyond nature, visitors can explore Fort Van der Wijk, which tells the story of Dutch colonial occupation in Indonesia, particularly in Kebumen. This historical site adds another layer of interest to the geopark's offerings.