TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated that the F1 Powerboat (F1H2O) World Championship, which is slated to be held in Lake Toba, North Sumatra, will have a salutary effect on the local economy and tourism infrastructure. It will also serve as a platform to showcase the local culture, namely Batak customs.

“It is important for the Batak people as it is a continuous movement that will draw many spectators and a big economic [impact],” Luhut said at the F1 PowerBoat Lake Toba Conference at the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ Building in Jakarta on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

Like the F1 powerboat back in February 2023, Lake Toba’s Balige is set to host this international racing event on March 2-3, 2024, featuring 18 international racers from 10 countries.

Luhut expressed optimism that the event would have a significant economic impact on Indonesia, particularly in the tourism sector. Aiming to replicate the success of the 2023 event, he hoped that F1 Powerboat 2024 could again generate a turnover of more than Rp1.68 trillion.

“Last year’s Powerboat and Aquabike events generated a turnover of .68 trillion and attracted 100,000 tourists,” he said.

Donny Oskaria, the Director of the state-owned tourism holding company Injourney, said this year’s event would feature more Batak cultural traditions and the organizing committee had prepared some side events, such as the traditional Batak Toba rowing boat race called Solu Bolon, cultural festivals, and MSMEs exhibitions for the public.

“We will have many side events to promote Batak culture blended with the beauty of Lake Toba,” said Donny.

ADINDA JASMINE PRASETYO

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