Menparekraf-Commission X DPR Promotes Increasing Competence of Toba Parekraf Human Resources

Samosir, InfoPublik - The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Menparekraf), Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, conducted a working visit with several members of Commission X DPR RI to promote increasing capacity and competence of human resources in tourism and creative economy sector on Samosir Island, Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Friday (3/26).

Menparekraf was present with the Commission X DPR RI delegation chaired by the Deputy Chairman of Commission X DPR RI Dede Yusuf. Commission X members Hetifah Sjaifudian, Sofyan Tan, Obon Tabroni, Ratih Megasari, Ledia Hanifa, and Dewi Coryati, were also present. They left for Samosir Island using fast boats via Parapat.

Before docked on the village of Tuk Tuk Samosir, Menparekraf and his entourage had time to visit several destinations around Lake Toba starting from Batu Gantung, Pesanggrahan Soekarno, and seeing the beauty of Situmurun Waterfall.

Menparekraf explained that his visit to Lake Toba shows his seriousness in developing the area concerning infrastructure and human resources capacity as one of the five Super Priority Destinations.

"I have been coming back and forth to Lake Toba three times for the past three months. It is proof that the government is here to build tourism and the creative economy sector in Danau Toba, not only infrastructure but also human resources. The development aims to emerge hope and enthusiasm as well as to foster motivation for the sector revival and recovery in Lake Toba," he explained.

Menparekraf also encouraged people to maintain a sense of security and comfort for tourists who come to Lake Toba.

"Amid this pandemic, we stressed the importance of safety and comfort of tourists. The current condition makes many people concerned. Many lines of occupation experiencing deserted orders. For that, we hope all of us can rise and recover soon. I also want to emphasize that tourism will soon arise with strict health protocols. For that, we need to collaborate," he said.

Deputy Chairman of Commission X DPR RI, Dede Yusuf, added that his arrival with the entourage aims to address problems and see the Lake Toba conditions first-hand as the government tourist destinations focus development.

"We need to see the Lake Toba conditions first-hand. There is a comparatively large budget allocation in the five DSPs. We need to see its readiness to receive such a sizable investment. Before we encourage them to become a DSP, several things must be prepared such as human resources, supporting facilities, and other facilities," he said.

Dede Yusuf also explained that his party would coordinate with other Ministries/Agencies to promote the Lake Toba to be DSP area ready. Eventually, regional heads' role is significant to organize and manage their areas.

“The country has started to think about how to rebound post-epidemic. If we look at other countries, such as Dubai and Thailand, they have opened their tourism sector. Now is prime momentum to promote the tourism sector to rebound,” he explained. (Photo by Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Public Relations)

Author: Untung S

Editor: Wawan Budiyanto

Translator: Wilda Stiana