Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of the Arrangement of Bebas Parapat Beach in Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra Province, February 2, 2022

The working visit I undertake aims to inspect the arrangement of tourist attractions including in Labuan Bajo, Mandalik, Borobudur, Likupang.

And today, I am here in the area of Lake Toba to inspect if the revitalization, the arrangement carried out has made progress (or not).

And I notice that there are total arrangements so that Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy can carry out more improvement, rebranding, and build more differentiations so that Lake Toba can have a specialty that is different from other tourist destinations.

I also notice that the Area of Lake Toba has a great potential.

Previously in area of Bebas Parapat beach there was no facility for cultural, art performance while today we have an amphitheater. There is also facility for people to enjoy the stunning view of Lake Toba.

The arrangement like this will be continued to be done step by step.

Reporter

Sir, is there any specific reason you rode a motorbike?

President Jokowi

My ministers and I wanted to enjoy fresh air around Toba Like. The air is so fresh. It would be unfortunate if we did not ride a motorbike. I also inspected the road infrastructure whether the road is smooth (or bumpy). 80 percent of the road is smooth. 10-20 percent of the road is still bumpy. I have told Minster of Public Works and Public Housing about it. 

Reporter
What did you feel, Sir? Did you feel any difference between riding here and in Mandalika?

President Jokowi

Pardon me? 

Reporter
Did you feel any difference between riding here and in Mandalika?

President Jokowi

The air is so fresh here. The road here is straight, while in Mandalika the road is winding. That is the difference.

Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan
Yes, indeed, Mr. President. Mandalika is a circuit.

President Jokowi

Yes, Mandalika is a circuit. The road here is not a circuit.

Reporter
Did you ride your motorbike fast, Mr. President?

President Jokowi

Fast? No, not really.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno
(Mr. President) rode fast. I was left behind.

President Jokowi

(Laughing) No, not really. Okay, thank you.

Reporter

Will the arrangement be connected with Sei Mangkai Special Economic Zone (SEZ)? Will it be connected?

President Jokowi

Yes, of course. It is expected that all can be integrated. However, it is impossible to integrate all roads immediately considering that there are priority projects and others are set to be classified as the next projects.

Reporter
Thank you, Mr. President.

(AP/EP)