The government under the leadership of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is currently focusing on developing tourism and the creative economy (parekraf) in five integrated super priority tourism in Indonesia and most people may already know places that have truly amazing natural beauty. However, there are still some people who are not 'literate' towards places with high cultural and historical values. Five super priority tourist destinations that are the focus of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), namely Lake Toba, Likupang, Borobudur, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo.
In addition, the five tourist attractions are also known to have their own uniqueness and natural panorama that can attract local tourists, Southeast Asian tourists, foreign tourists, and tourists from countries in the world. Kemenparekraf designates Lake Toba in North Sumatra Province as a new icon of Indonesian tourism based on natural beauty. Lake Toba as a miracle in the world is truly amazing. Lake Toba which has an area of approximately 1,145 square kilometers and a depth of 450 meters. Lake Toba is actually more like an ocean. Lake Toba is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest lakes in the world. At the location of this Lake Toba tourist attraction, visitors and tourists can enjoy kayaking or canoeing by choosing three types of routes to explore the Lake Tongging-Silalahi, Tongging-Samosir, or the Northern Circle. Then by enjoying the cool and cool air on Lake Toba, carry out glamping activities (luxury camping) at The Caldera Toba Nomadic Escape, located in Sibisa, Ajibata District, Toba Samosir Regency.
The determination of the Lake Toba area as one of the super priority tourism destinations is considered reasonable considering the natural beauty of Lake Toba which stretches across 7 districts, namely Simalungun, Toba Samosir, North Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan, Dairi, Karo, and Samosir which have great potential as tourist destinations. world class. In fact, the Dutch King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti have visited Lake Toba. The visit of the King and Queen of the Netherlands to Lake Toba for a tour to enjoy the beauty and panorama of Lake Toba and to see the culture of the Batak people.
Therefore, the tourism object area of Lake Toba continues to be developed. The development includes widening the Tano Ponggol channel from 25 meters to 80 meters, the construction of the 450 meters long Tano Ponggol Bridge that connects the mainland of Sumatra and Samosir Island, and the arrangement of the lakeside area. This channel widening is intended to open up access for larger tourist boats so that they can surround the Lake Toba area. The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) continues to carry out infrastructure development in the Lake Toba National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN) as a leading tourist destination.
Support from the PUPR Ministry includes the construction of the Samosir ring road, the Tano Ponggol Bridge, the revitalization of Lake Toba, a water treatment plant, sanitation, and arrangement of the Lake Toba shores. The PUPR Minister, Basuki Hadimuljono, said that in 2020 the budget for infrastructure development for the development of the Lake Toba KSPN was IDR 1.33 trillion. Its amazing nature also causes Lake Toba to be designated by UNESCO as Toba Caldera.
