GEOLOGY DAN GEOTOURISM POTENTIAL ANALYSIS IN WEETANA VILLAGE AND SURRONDINGS AREA, WEST SUMBA REGENCY, EAST NUSA TENGGARA

• Main Author: Audy Aristyo, Muhammad
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Geologi, hidrologi & meteorologi
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/70399
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Sumba Island is an unique and interesting island in terms of geology and tourism. The unique geological aspects of the island of Sumba cause this island as a potential geotourism destination. However, the aspect of geotourism from Sumba Island has not been given enough attention, so this research aims to study the geological potential of Sumba Island to become a geotourism destination. This research was conducted in Weetana Village, West Laboya District, West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. This study provides several recommendations for geotourism objects and thematic pathways for geotourism, especially in the Weetana Village Area. The research method used in this study is geological mapping and geotourism potential analysis in Weetana Village. Geological mapping consists of geomorphological observations, geological structure analysis, and observation and analysis of the distribution of lithology in the study area. Geotourism potential analysis method consists of geodiversity analysis, "geotourism box" analysis, and quantitative assessment in the Weetana Village area by conducting direct observation in the field and interviewing local residents. Geosite and thematic path recommendations are obtained from the results of further analysis from geological mapping. The results of the geological mapping show that the study area can be divided into five geomorphological units, namely the Kabotu Limestone Terrace Unit, the Walalaka Limestone Hills Unit, the Loko Karenapu Reef Ridge Unit, the Homoclyte Hauta Unit, and the Weemaringi Lava Flow and Pyroclastic Ridge Unit. The lithology unit in the study area is divided into five, namely the Lava and Pyroclastic Flow Unit, Limestone Unit 1, Limestone Unit 2, Limestone Unit 3, and Alluvial Unit. The geological structure that developed in the study area is the Weetana Sinistral Normal Fault and Gaora Sinistral Strike-Slip Fault. Based on an analysis of geotourism potential, Weetana Village is considered to have sufficient criteria to become a geotourism area. Moreover, the results of the geological mapping provide several geosite recommendations including Tarakaha Beach, Watu Madongara, Bukit Mataja, Weetana Pasola Field, Tanjung Mambang, Mambang Mangrove Forest, and Katobo Beach. The author hopes that this research can increase knowledge about the geological conditions on Sumba Island. Moreover, this research is expected to be able to develop the economy of Wetanaa Village by providing information related to the potential of geotourism that can be developed in the area.