Sustainable Geotourism At The Mangunan Ancient Volcano, Southern Mountains, Java, Indonesia
Developing a sustainable geotourism requires comprehensive site planning that integrates geoconservation, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. The Mangunan Ancient Volcano, as part of the newly designated Jogja Geopark, presents a unique Neogene volcanic heritage. This study aims to integrate a site planning framework for that geosite, incorporating geoheritage, the carrying capacity, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. A methodology was employed by combining geological field surveys, spatial analysis, socio-economic assessments, and participatory planning approaches involving local communities and the government. The study implemented a three-zone management system (primary, buffer, and development zones) with detailed site planning for sustainable geotourism management. The study identified five distinct geological stop-sites representing different phases of volcanism from deep to shallow marine evolution. A comprehensive zonation system was established, comprising a central zone of 0.573 hectares, a buffer zone of 84.469 hectares, and a development zone of 3,117.39 hectares. The carrying capacity analysis determined a maximum sustainable visitor load of 200 to 300 visitors per day. The integrated site plan features geological interpretation trails, educational facilities, and community-based tourism infrastructure, all designed to strike a balance between conservation objectives and economic development goals. The integrated site planning approach successfully demonstrates how geoheritage can be developed as sustainable geotourism through collaborative governance involving multiple stakeholders. The framework developed for Mangunan Ancient Lava provides a replicable model for similar geoheritage in tropical developing countries, emphasizing the importance of community participation, scientific rigor, and adaptive management in sustainable geotourism.