VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Lake Toba Sunset View - 

President Joko Widodo is focusing on the development of tourism and creative economy in five super-priority integrated destinations across the archipelago, most of which are well-known for their beautiful landscapes and natural beauty.

Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Likupang in North Sulawesi, Borobudur in Central Java, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, and Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara — few people would be unfamiliar with these five destinations targeted by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and their immense cultural and historic value.

The five tourism destinations are famous for the uniqueness of their landscapes that attract domestic and international tourists alike.

Among these destinations, the ministry has selected North Sumatra’s Lake Toba as a new icon for Indonesian tourism based on its natural beauty.The selection of the Toba Lake area as one of the super-priority tourism destinations has come as no surprise for many, considering the beauty of the spot that stretches over seven districts, including Simalungun, Toba Samosir, North Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan, Dairi, Karo, and Samosir.

Its beauty even proved a draw for King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti of The Netherlands, Europe, who, during their visit, also took time to observe the culture of the Batak tribe.For this reason, tourism facilities in Lake Toba have seen continued development, including work on the extension of the Tano Ponggol path from 25 meters to 80 meters, construction of the 450-meter Tano Ponggol Bridge connecting the Sumatra mainland with Samosir Island, as well as the refurbishment of the lakeside area. Work has also been done to open up access for larger leisure ships so they can go around the Lake Toba area.

The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) has continued to carry out infrastructure works in the National Strategic Tourism Area of Lake Toba to develop it as a superior tourism destination.The ministry has so far extended support for projects including the Samosir ring road, Tano Ponggol Bridge, the revitalization of Lake Toba, water management and sanitation facilities, and the refurbishment of the lakeside.

PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said that in 2020 his Ministry allocated a budget of Rp1.33 trillion for infrastructure development in Lake Toba//ANT