Analysis of Public Perception on The Launch of The Cisaar-Jatigede Valley Geopark, Sumedang

Abstract

Indonesia has geological conditions at the meeting of three tectonic plates, which results in geological diversity. So that it can be developed into an earth park (geopark) in the development of the tourism industry. The Sumedang Regency Government in 2024 launched the Cisaar-Jatigede Valley Geopark Sumedang with the branding The Kingdom of Stegodon, based on the phenomenal discovery of ivory and Stegodon skeletons in the Cisaar Valley. This study was conducted to analyze public perception of the launch of the geopark. The method used in this study is a qualitative method with descriptive analysis to determine and assess how the perception of the community represented by selected informants. The results of the study show that Sumedang Regency has the potential to develop a geopark based on the geodiversity, biodiversity, and cultural diversity profiles in Sumedang. The community views the development of a geopark as being able to increase the attractiveness of tourism in Sumedang. It is expected to be able to improve the welfare of the Sumedang community, especially for people in the Cisaar Valley Geopark area to Jatigede. Community welfare can be realized by involving the community in geopark tourism activities, improving facilities, and supporting tourism infrastructure.