The Geodiversity of Ranah Minang Silokek Geopark, West Sumatra: Geodynamic Storytelling Through Geosites and Geological Landscapes

The Ranah Minang Silokek Geopark (RMSG) in West Sumatra is a designated Indonesian National Geopark aspiring for UNESCO Global Geopark status. This study provides a preliminary qualitative inventory of its geodiversity to evaluate its international significance, scientific value, and educational value. Based on literature synthesis and field investigations at 14 representative geosites, we characterize the lithological, stratigraphic, and geomorphological diversity. The results reveal an exceptional geological record spanning nearly 300 million years, from the Carboniferous–Permian to the Neogene. The geodiversity comprises a complete rock spectrum (sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic), including Paleozoic limestones, Triassic granitoid intrusions, and Cenozoic sedimentary basin deposits. Geomorphological features are equally varied, encompassing extensive karst landscapes, structurally controlled fluvial systems, and tectonic landforms. This remarkable assemblage of geological features provides a coherent narrative of West Sumatra’s evolution, from its origins as part of the Gondwana, through Mesozoic tectonic amalgamation and magmatism, to Cenozoic basin development associated with the Sunda Arc subduction system. The high geodiversity of RMSG not only underscores its potential for international recognition but also offers significant opportunities for geotourism and geo-education, presenting a natural laboratory for understanding the complex geological history of Southeast Asia.