The Ambassador of Japan to Indonesia, Kanasugi Kenji, expressed full support for the collaboration in sustainable tourism development between Banyuwangi and Japan. This statement was made by Kanasugi during a virtual communication with Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani while visiting the Pendopo Banyuwangi on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Also present during the visit was the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi. Regent Ipuk was attending the 10th International Conference of Unesco Global Geopark (UGG) in Marrakesh, Morocco. During the conference, the establishment of Geopark Ijen as part of the Global Geoparks Network, endorsed by UNESCO, was discussed. During the event, Ipuk explained that one of the agenda items in Morocco was the signing of a collaboration agreement for the development of geoparks between UGG Aso in Japan and Geopark Ijen. This collaboration was initiated because Aso is a geopark with volcanic mountain landscapes, and it is hoped that Geopark Ijen can learn more about geopark development and its surrounding environment.
Japan itself is known for having a significant number of UGG sites, specifically 10 natural sites that have been designated. Therefore, Banyuwangi is interested in learning about the management of these natural sites to contribute even more to the local area. It was mentioned that Japan and Banyuwangi have had a good relationship. Japan has assisted in the construction of a maternity clinic in one of the villages in the Pesanggaran District. Moreover, for more than two years, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Tourism, and Transportation (MLIT) of Japan has supported the development of the Smart Village program in Banyuwangi. Besides, Banyuwangi is also one of the largest exporters of eels to Japan. The Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, added that Banyuwangi has many potentials that can be collaborated with Japan, especially in the food sector, as Japan imports 63 percent of its food needs. The export framework is already in place and has been operational for some time.
