VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Tongging Village in Merek District, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, which is located in the Lake Toba area, was developed as a culinary and shopping destination.
Virginia Kadarsan Ministry of Tourism and Shopping Acceleration Development Team during the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Understanding of Culinary Tourism and Shopping Development held a week ago on Brastagi, North Sumatra, said there were many advantages if culinary and shopping tourism was developed faster in the Lake Toba Region.

"Because, there is a big business value that can be obtained from there. These two types of tours are very competitive to bring in a large income, "Virginia said.

Tongging village is located about 1 hour from Brastagi and sticks directly to Lake Toba against the background of Mount Sipiso-Piso. Here also found Sipiso-Piso Waterfall. Its position is at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level, then has a height of 120 meters.

Another activity is trekking in the viewing post area. This area is very interesting with a winding route.

Virginia added, the follow-up to the development of culinary tourism and shopping will have a positive impact on Lake Toba.

Virginia also explained the need to intervene stakeholders around the Lake Toba area to realize it, starting from the Lake Toba Authority Implementing Agency (BPODT) to the community and tourism industry players.
"Strong commitment from all stakeholders has been obtained. BPODT finally agreed to use Tongging as its initial project. Tongging will be used as the initial identification and development of Wiskulja. In addition to its position, this region has great potential, "he said.

Separately, Oneng Setya Harini, Assistant Deputy for the Development of Kemenpar Culture Tourism, added culinary tourism and shopping became a big income for the development of the creative economy. In 2017, culinary provides income of up to 41.69 percent.

While tourism shopping contributed up to 33.85 percent. Interestingly, creative economic growth rose 4.95 percent in 2016. Its distribution to National GDP was 7.39 percent to 7.44 percent in the range 2014-2016.

"The acceleration of Wiskulja development in the Lake Toba area must be done. The hope, of course, is that this destination will be more optimal in providing economic value. The potential can be distributed optimally, "he said.

While heading to the next stage, understanding the Wiskulja concept must be held by tourism stakeholders in Karo and North Sumatra. According to Oneng, the concept of gastronomic development in Indonesia is influenced by 3 elements. These triangles are culinary, cultural and historical. Its derivative factors consist of rituals, spices, and storytelling. (kemenpar)