Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Samosir Regency Government in North Sumatra, Indonesia, has unveiled plans to develop a 22-kilometer stretch of beach along Lake Toba. The initiative has gain full support from North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution.
“This long beach concept has the potential to boost the local economy in Samosir. The North Sumatra provincial government is ready to support it,” said Bobby on Sunday (July 6), as reported by Antara.
The proposed beachfront project will extend from Tano Ponggol in Pangururan District to Simanindo Port, aiming to transform Lake Toba which already a world-renowned destination into a new centerpiece of sustainable tourism.
Bobby emphasized that realizing this ambitious project will require close collaboration between local, provincial, and national governments. However, he noted several challenges ahead, particularly the need for land acquisition across the proposed development zone, much of which is still privately held by local residents.
“We need a collaborative approach, with all stakeholders involved, to ensure this project is implemented effectively,” Bobby said.
He also stressed the importance of a comprehensive master plan not just for construction, but also for long-term maintenance, visitor experience design, and environmental sustainability.
According to Bobby , the project must be guided by a clear vision to ensure each segment of the beach becomes a compelling destination for both domestic and international tourists.
“It’s not just about building,” he said. “We have to think about how to maintain every area in the future. We need a solid concept to ensure this becomes a valuable asset for the region.”
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In addition to the long beach initiative, Bobby urged full support from Samosir officials for the upcoming revalidation of the Toba Caldera Geopark’s UNESCO Global Geopark status, set to take place July 21–25, 2025. Lake Toba, one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world, was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in July 2020.
However, during the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council meeting in Morocco in September 2023, the Toba Caldera Geopark received a “yellow card,” signaling the need for improvements in management and conservation.
Bobby also called for local support for the upcoming Trail of the Kings – Lake Toba, an international trail running event that is part of the 2025 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) World Series. The race is scheduled to take place in Samosir from October 17–19.
“Several key geosites are located in Samosir. Through collaborative efforts such as the long beach project and this world-class trail event—we hope Samosir can reclaim its green card status from UNESCO,” Bobby concluded.
(Raidi/Agung)
