This morning, (I visited) Ulos traditional village. Everything will be rehabilitated totally - Its market, souvenir market, this year and next year. Two seaport piers have been built, and more boats will be bought
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo is committed to transforming the area of Lake Toba into an integrated and attractive tourist spot in North Sumatra.

"This morning, (I visited) Ulos traditional village. Everything will be rehabilitated totally - Its market, souvenir market, this year and next year. Two seaport piers have been built, and more boats will be bought. After the piers are completed, we will make promotion to market Lake Toba massively," Jokowi said while visiting Tano Poggol in Samosir District, Wednesday. During his three-day visit to North Sumatra, the president visited various tourist attractions among other things in North Tapanuli, Samosir, Toba Samosir (Tobasa), and Humbang Hasundutan.

He hoped that all the development and renovation projects could be completed by next year, and thereafter the major promotions would follow.

The government has already assigned experts to help with the restoration of the environmental problems such as water pollution in Lake Toba and the deforestation, he said.

Related news: President wants Lake Toba to be classy tourist site
Related news: Jokowi emphasizes environmental protection around Lake Toba


On Monday, Jokowi emphasized the importance of protecting the environment of the lake and the surrounding areas.

"Product improvement does not only concern the tourist site but also its environment that we must take care of," Jokowi said.

A company which damages the environment will lose its business license, he warned.

The government will demarcate the area meant for tourism, the area meant for the people, and that designated for other purposes.

The development of the Lake Toba tourist resort will begin this year and is expected to be completed in one year. Supporting facilities and infrastructure to boost tourism in the Lake Toba area were already constructed in 2018.

The investment for the Lake Toba development is worth Rp3.5 trillion and the allocation has been done in the State Budget (APBN), according to the president in a press statement released by the Presidential Secretariat.

The government hopes to attract private investments whose values are expected to be three to five times bigger than the government's investment for Lake Toba.

Related news: Ministry allocates Rp22 billion for Lake Toba project
Related news: Investment agreement signed to develop Lake Toba tourism potentials


Translator: Joko Susilo, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019