President Jokowi Inspects Sipinsur Geosite in N. Sumatra

President Jokowi meets reporters after an inspection to Sipinsur Geosite, Parulohan Village, Paranginan District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, Monday (29/7). (Photo by: JAY/PR)

As part of his working visit in North Sumatra province, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Monday (29/7), inspected the development plan of Quick Win Sipinsur Geosite in Sipinsur Geosite, Parulohan Village, Paranginan District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency.

According to the President, this project is scheduled to start this year and is expected to be completed in stages, starting in 2020.

The President’s visit also aims to determine the management planning of Lake Toba to materialize it as a superior tourist destination.

On that occasion, the President acknowledged that there are works needed to be done, including the works in the surrounding areas.  “We must brand this location to be a mandatory place to visit,” the President said.

After further inspection, the President stated that there are 28 tourist destinations in the area around Lake Toba which will be divided into four clusters which represent history, culture, water recreation, and nature.

Therefore, President Jokowi added, combination of investment and state budget will fund the establishment of integrated Lake Toba tourist destination.

“We are working according to the master plan so that the implementation will be detailed and smooth,” the President said, adding that the integrated Lake Toba tourist destination should have factors which set it apart from other destinations such as Bali and Mandalika.

In a bid to boost tourism sector in the area, the Government has also improved access from Silangit airport to both the outer ring and the circumference in Lake Toba, including by dredging the river channel and building Tano Ponggol bridge as well as the Lumban Pea and Lumban Julu integrated rest area.

For the record, during this North Sumatera working visit, President Jokowi is also slated to inspect infrastructure project and distribute land certificates.

For the record, the Government has announced plan to allocate a total budget of Rp2.4 trillion next year to transform the Lake Toba tourist destination into a world-class National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN) known as “the New Bali”. (DNA/JAY/ES)
Translated by : Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Edited by : Muhardi, M. Ersan Pamungkas