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The Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry has officially designated the Dieng Plateau area as a national geopark through ESDM Ministerial Decree No. 172.K/GL.01/MEM.G/2025 on May 7, 2025.
"Alhamdulillah, Dieng has been designated as one of the national geoparks. This is a source of pride for all of us and hopefully it will motivate us, especially in preserving the environment and cultural heritage there," said Banjarnegara Regency Tourism and Culture Office (Dinparbud) Head Tursiman in Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java on May 27, 2025.
He explained that the management of Dieng geopark includes many aspects, such as geology, ecology, etc. The Dieng National Geopark area consists of 23 geological diversity sites (geosites), eight biodiversity sites (biosites), 10 Cultural Diversity sites (Cultural Sites), and six other interesting destinations.
The ESDM Ministry defines a geopark as a sustainable regional development landscape that combines three diversities, namely geological, biological, and cultural diversity. The purpose of its management is to develop the local community's economy based on the protection of the three diversities found in the area.
In addition to presenting stunning natural panoramas from an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level (masl), the Dieng Plateau also has a wealth of history and culture from hosting Hindu temples dating from 8th century Common Era (C.E.). Moreover, the temperature in Dieng can even reach 0° Celsius during the dry season.
Notable tourism destinations at the Dieng Plateau include:
- Warna Lake: The icon of Dieng tourism, the lake's uniqueness is how its color can change depending on the reflection of sunlight since its waters contain sulfur;
- Pengilon Lake: The lake's very clear waters that allow visitors to see their reflection led to its name, as pengilon means glass;
- Sikidang Crater: The crater offers a view of an active volcanic crater that includes a hot water lake and sulfur gas eruptions;
- Arjuna Temple: The aforementioned Hindu temple on the Dieng Plateau that was built around the 8th-9th century CE, the Arjuna Temple is part of the Arjuna Temple Complex Tourism Area which also includes the Semar Temple, Srikandi Temple, Puntadewa Temple, and Sembadra Temple;
- Sikunir Hill: This hill offers a great location to enjoy the sunrise. Visitors could also behold the beauty of Mount Sindoro, Mount Prau, Mount Slamet, Mount Merapi, Mount Merbabu, and Mount Sumbing from Sikunir Hill;
- Dieng Plateau Theater: Provides documentary films about the Dieng Plateau for visitors who want to know more about the area's stories;
- Dieng Cultural Festival: A dreadlock-cutting ceremony involving Dieng Plateau children.
Moreover, visitors can also enjoy the panorama of the dense forest around Dringo Lake to see the local residents' agricultural system, such as the performance of the Merdada Lake irrigation source in the residents' rice fields that can only accommodate rainwater.
