TEMPO.CO, Balige - President Jokowi has asked all parties` supports to develop the Lake Toba tourism sector by adding the passenger`s capacity at the Silangit Airport and extend the runway as the initial steps.
“I want the old terminal to be broken down within a week and there must be new terminal built at the end of the year," Jokowi said during the summit of Independence Carnival of Lake Toba Beauty event in Balige, North Sumatra Sunday, August 21, 2016.
The locals have also asked President Jokowi to add the supply of electricity and repair the irrigation system in the area. Meanwhile, Samosir Regent Rapidin Simbolon asked Jokowi to build tourism academy. The President has promised to comment on the people’s request in no time. "I cannot answer about the power supply and water yet. We need to check them first."
North Sumatra Governor Tengku Erry Nuradi says Jokowi is the first President visiting Samosir Island. "This is the first time that the President come to Samosir Island after 71 years of Indonesia’s independence," he sai.
Jokowi visited Samosir from Tomok Terminal, Parapat, yesterday. Besides attending the carnival, he also observed the tourism potential in Samosir Island.
ADITYA BUDIMAN | SAHAT SIMATUPANG (BALIGE)