The Present-day Landscape of Bukit Keluang Formation: Geoheritage Potential for Conservation and Geotourism

Abstract

The Late Permian sedimentary rock of Bukit Keluang Formation is well exposed on three isolated hills namely the Bukit Keluang, Bukit Bubus and Bukit Dendong. The consecutive hills exhibit a unique landscape of linear ridge surrounded by the alluvial plains and are well known for their beautiful sandy beaches and outstanding landscapes. Geological landscape in the area falls into three heritage value set (scientific, aesthetic and recreational value) that in need of immediate conservation. Scientific evidence shows that the study area exhibits a unique lithologically and structurally controlled landscape characterised by first order topography of folded and thrusted sequence (anticlinal hill), linear cuesta ridge and denudation hill. Differential erosion of the conglomerate-sand-shale sequences led to the development of linear ridge with different elevation profiles. The geometric and geographic position of the hills conforms with the regional structural trend in the area with the N-S trending fault system is inferred as the major fault that displaced the Bukit Keluang Formation. Internal complexities in the individual structures in the form of cross-faults, oblique-faults and lineaments trending NW-SE, NE-SW to N-S directions have formed cave morphological feature and divide the hills into separate blocks. The geological landscape also contributes to an aesthetic value such as the beautiful hilly landscape and sandy beach, while recreational values including hiking, mountain biking and water activities. Geological heritage and geotourism could have a positive future in Bukit Keluang, Bukit Bubus and Bukit Dendong. The in-situ and ex-situ geological conservation is urgently needed in order to support the efforts to implement geoscience knowledge to the public.

Prospecting CCS Project in Indonesia: A Case Study in Meratus Mountains, South Borneo

“…The Meratus Geopark was established as an Indonesian national geopark in 2018. Geological, cultural, and biological heritages are delineated into the geopark area for sustainable development (Dzulkafli et al, 2019;Mokhtar et al, 2019) Twenty-five heritages are situated in the Meratus Geopark, consisting of 11 geological sites, 5 biological sites, and 9 cultural sites. Sultan Adam Mandiangin Serpentinite is a geological site comprising Middle Jurassic ultramafic rock and occupies a hill with an altitude of between 400-600 m above sea level (Sikumbang and Heryanto, 1994).…”

“…Geopark is a specific area comprised of geological heritage sites of specific significance, rarity or beauty for preservation. The essential purpose of building a geopark is to link conservation, education, and economic developments of a natural history (Dzulkafli et al, 2019;Xu and Wu, 2022). Meratus Geopark is located in the South Borneo Province, Indonesia (Figure 1).…”