Success: International Seminar Series and Fossil Camp Concluded with a Field Trip to Sengering Cave and Muara Karing

(Merangin) - The second edition of the International Seminar series organized by the Management Agency of Merangin Jambi UNESCO Global Geopark (BP-MJUGGp) was a great success.

This event aimed to develop and promote the geological diversity (Geodiversity) of the Merangin Jambi UNESCO Global Geopark (MJUGGp) area.

The event kicked off with an International Seminar themed "Geological Diversity of Merangin Jambi Geopark in the History of Sumatra's Tectonic Evolution Complexity and Dynamics" at the Rectorate Building of Jambi University on Monday, July 8, 2024. Speakers included Dr. Agus, S.Sos., M.Hum (GM BP-MJUGGp), Asst. Prof. Dr. Jaroon Duangkrayom (Khorat UGGp Thailand), Asst. Prof. Wickanet Songtham (Khorat UGGp Thailand), Ir. Yunus Kusumahbrata, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Council KNGI), and Prof. Drs. H. Sutrisno, M.Sc., Ph.D (Merangin Geotourism CoE, UNJA).

 "photo: Certificate of Appreciation to Resource Persons"

 

"photo: Delivery of material by the General Manager of MJ_UGGP as one of the speakers at the International Conference."

 

"photo: Presentation of material By Asst. Prof. Dr. Jaroon Duangkrayom ??(Khorat UGGp Thailand)"

 

"photo: Resource Person and Participants of Jambi University International Conference"

 

Following the seminar, all participants and speakers headed to Merangin Regency on Tuesday, July 9. The series continued with the International Fossil Camp at Taman Siti Rahmah in Air Batu Village, Renah Pembarap District.

"photo: IFC (International Fossil Camp) participants, in Air Batu Village, Siti Rahmah park"

 

This event was a collaboration between Merangin Jambi UGGp-Indonesia, Khorat UGGp-Thailand, and Jambi University. Participants included geology students from across Indonesia and students from Akhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University and Chiang Mai University in Thailand.

The evening activities featured discussions between speakers and student participants, focusing on the fossil history in Merangin.

The next morning, all participants proceeded with a Field Trip to Sengering Cave in Sungai Manau. Participants explored the cave and received information about Sengering Cave from Eko Wahyudi, a geologist with BP-MJUGGp.

"We slowly navigated the rocky river, entering the still quite fragile cave. We traversed the beautiful limestone cave for 315 meters, and it was truly amazing," said Magdalena Ritonga, a supervising lecturer.

By noon, all participants reached the Muara Karing waterfall in Markeh Village, Renah Pembarap District. Some took the river route along the ancient Batang Merangin River and observed Araucarioxylon fossils.

At Muara Karing, participants received additional materials and engaged in discussions with speakers about the formation and fossils at the Muara Karing site. The closing event was relaxed, with participants enjoying authentic Jangkat coffee at a coffee shop in Bangko city, after which all participants and speakers returned to Jambi city. (Team)

Photo Album of Series of Events here