For (developing a) tourism (destination), firstly the infrastructure must be repaired, then the amenities and the event (organizing).
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Construction work to develop infrastructure for holding the F1 Powerboat (F1H2O) World Championship at Lake Toba, North Sumatra Province, is 99.97-percent complete, the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry stated.

According to a statement received on Sunday, as of February 18, 2023, the only remaining work pertained to post-construction cleaning, arranging the roof of the Sopo Batak (Batak traditional house) facilities, as well as toilet cleaning work.

PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono affirmed that his side has striven to quickly revitalize Lake Toba to become an integrated Super Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP) that can provide positive impacts on the local and national economy.

"For (developing a) tourism (destination), firstly, the infrastructure must be repaired, and then the amenities and the event (organizing). Lastly, there should be massive promotion (of the tourism destination)," he remarked.

Construction of the facilities for F1H2O was carried out by the North Sumatra Provincial Settlement Infrastructure Center (BPPW) of the PUPR Ministry’s Directorate General of Human Settlement since November 30, 2022.

Infrastructure development has been targeted to be completed on February 21, 2023. The project, which cost Rp35.9 billion, was funded from the 2022-2023 State Budget

The facilities built for holding the powerboat racing event included the pier, dry paddock, public toilets, Sopo Batak, fences, and ditches.

Related news: Weather modification to be conducted ahead of F1H2O: Minister

Meanwhile, Head of the North Sumatra Provincial BPPW Syafriel Tansier stated that the development of several attractions and facilities to bolster tourism activities at the Lake Toba DPSP had been completed.

The attractions and facilities included the villages of Ulos Huta Raja and Huta Siallagan in Samosir District, the Sidikalang Landfill (TPA) in Dairi District, Parapat Wastewater Treatment Installation (IPAL) in Simalungun District, and public toilets.

"Hopefully, implementation of the international event (F1H2O World Championship) will revive the (local) economy through the tourism activities in Lake Toba, and (we) expect that the infrastructure can be utilized (optimally) and maintained properly," Tansier stated.

He affirmed that the F1H2O event, which will be held on February 24-26, 2023, is a very good opportunity for Indonesia to promote the tourism attractions in Lake Toba DPSP to the international community.

Lake Toba has been designated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) as one of the five DPSP areas.

The other DPSP are Borobudur Temple in Central Java Province, Mandalika area in West Nusa Tenggara Province, Labuan Bajo area in East Nusa Tenggara Province, and Likupang-Manado area in North Sulawesi Province.

Related news: Propelling Indonesia's sports tourism development through F1H2O

Translator: Indra Pribadi, Uyu Liman
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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