Gov’t Continues Providing Supporting Infrastructures in Lake Toba

President Jokowi visits Lake Toba in North Sumatera Province on Saturday(14/10). (Photo by: Bureau of Press and Media)

The beauty of Lake Toba in North Sumatera Province is a big potential for the tourism sector. Therefore, the Government said it would continue providing infrastructures that support the growth of the region.

“All places in all regencies near Lake Toba are all beautiful. All is beautiful. We only have to upgrade them and promote them. However, all the facilities must be ready,” the President said during his visit to Huta Ginjang region in Muara District, North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatera Province, Saturday (14/10).

The President added that the Government is currently focused on finalizing the construction of Medan-Kualanamu-Tebing Tinggi Toll Road. However, he did not rule out the possibility that the toll road will be further developed.

“We will probably further develop the toll road. The land acquisition process might be done starting next year. It will be extended by around 90-100 kilometer as far as I remember,” the President said.

The President added since Lake Toba is one of the regions included the development of special economic regions, it is very important to develop Silangit Airport and toll roads near the lake.“Facilities (like toll roads) are important in the development of tourism industry in Lake Toba,” the President said.

In addition, we must also begin upgrading cultural products in Lake Toba and promote them more extensively. “What is also equally important is tourism products that are available here. We must begin upgrading them. We must begin showcasing cultural attractions,” the President said.

President Jokowi further said one of the measures that the Government makes in developing tourism sector in Lake Toba is by opening a direct flight from Singapore to SilangitAirport near Lake Toba.

“By the end of this month, there will be a direct flight from Singapore to Silangit Airport. Although we are going to use a bombardier plane we will try it. We’ll give it a shot,” the President said.

Joining the President during the visit were Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi,and North Sumatera Governor Tengku Erry Nuradi.(BPMI/EN) (EP/YM/Naster)