Nunukan (ANTARA) - A member of the Bandung Institute of Technology's Research and Community Service Team, Budi Faisal, believes the unique, rich, and diverse natural potential in Krayan, Nunukan, North Kalimantan, makes it worthy of being submitted for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage status.

The assessment was delivered at the focus group discussion, themed "Opportunities and Challenges of Tourism Development in Border Areas," held at Nunukan District's Office on Thursday (July 25).

Faisal stated that Krayan District, which borders Sarawak, Malaysia, had several unique traits.

He noted that what set the place apart were the presence of mountains, rice fields, and lush growth in the Krayan region, as well as the natural pattern of life and farming systems that had been upheld firmly by the Lundayeh Dayak community in the sub-district.

"The uniqueness that exists is quite interesting and not necessarily seen in every country, so what is observed in Krayan District makes it worthy of being submitted to the UNESCO," he remarked.

Faisal further added that several stone grave sites coupled with the original and beautiful natural scenery held immense tourism potential.

"Such potential present an opportunity for the area to be registered with UNESCO to be designated as a world heritage site. Moreover, the Krayan region is mostly in the Kayan Mentarang National Park (TNKM)," he pointed out.

He believes several benefits will be garnered if an area can be designated as a world heritage site, including the area gaining greater popularity in the world community, as it has been popularized by UNESCO.

Various activities and assistance programs will also be disbursed by UNESCO to maintain the site in Krayan District.

"If it is achieved, we (the Krayan community) can just sit around waiting for the tourists to come, because UNESCO will promote it to the world," the man, who was once a special staff at the Ministry of Tourism, remarked.

He acknowledged the lengthy process and struggle to achieve the status of UNESCO world heritage site.

"However, the Kerinci Seblat National Park and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in Sumatra won the title, and it exemplifies the tireless cooperation and struggle. Everything can certainly be achieved," Faisal affirmed.

Translator: Rusman/Eliswan Azly
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019