Re-branding and promotion of Lake Toba

President Joko Widodo insists that the re-branding and promotion of Lake Toba in North Sumatra should be stepped up with an aggressive marketing campaign aimed at both the domestic and international tourist markets.

During a limited meeting at the Surya Niagara Hotel in Simalungun, North Sumatra, on Tuesday (01/03), Joko said the central government was aware of the various problems hampering the development of the area's full tourism potential. The president added that he had requested the provincial governor and district heads to come up with solutions to those problems.

"I think the governor and district heads have elaborated on the problems and potential solutions. I am aware of the issues raised during our meeting at the [State] Palace [in Jakarta]," Joko said.

One of the solutions provided by the government is to increase the frequency of flights to the area, and national flag carrier Garuda has been ordered to increase the number of flights to the Silangit Airport in North Tapanuli, North Sumatra, to three per week. The airport is located close to Lake Toba.

Aside from that, the airport runway will also be extended so that it can accommodate larger passenger jets.
"By the end of March, there will be three Garuda flights to Lake Toba daily. The runway extension should be completed by the end of the year, although [national airport operator] Angkasa Pura II promised that it will be done by September," Joko added.
The president is currently on a three-day work visit to North Sumatra, Aceh and South Sumatra. He is scheduled to return to the capital on Thursday. (Jakarta Globe)