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Abstract

Ijen Geopark, located in Banyuwangi Regency and Bondowoso Regency, East Java Province, was officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark on September 9, 2023. One of the 21 developed geological sites is the Ijen Crater, an acidic crater lake with a blue flame phenomenon. However, this area also has the potential for significant disaster and accident risks. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of geotourism safety planning through disaster and accident risk education using warning signs. Data were collected through field observation and document analysis. Qualitative methods with observation techniques were used to assess the condition of existing warning signs, as well as the obstacles faced by visitors to the information conveyed. Observations were conducted at several strategic points in the Ijen Crater. Data analysis techniques used descriptive analysis and triangulation. The results have gained from the lack of effectiveness of warning signs due to sign design and lack of lighting facilities. Some visitors ignore and do not notice the signs, especially those who hike early in the morning when it is still dark. The author recommends that it is necessary to integrate information about disaster risk in the form of warning signs that are easy to understand to increase awareness and alertness of visitors equipped with lighting facilities. The management of Kawah Ijen can collaborate with related institutions to develop a more comprehensive and attractive educational program to minimize disaster risk. This research contributes to geotourism planning and emphasizes the importance of disaster and accident risk education as part of the mitigation strategy in disaster-prone tourism areas. Balancing education with attraction is essential for establishing safe and sustainable geotourism.

Keywords

Geotourism Planning Disaster Education Accident Risk Mitigation The Ijen Crater

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