REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sapta Nirwandar said Lake Toba in North Sumatra had potential to become a spectacular destination as it had a tremendous history in its formation. Lake Toba also has potential culture and nature. Water sports in this location could also be developed more.
"Lake Toba is a spectacular destination as its history happened 75 thousand years ago. It has remarkable history as the disaster destroyed a third of mankind in the world," Nirwandar said on Saturday.
Europe has the history of Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens, while Asia has Homo erectus and Homo florosiensis. They were all destroyed by volcanic eruptions that ultimately formed Lake Toba. Some DNA evidences recorded Lake Toba's eruption even wiped out 60 percent of total human population at that time.
Government hopes that in next five years Lake Toba can match popularity of Bali and attract at least at least one million tourists per year. The lake's popularity is expected to contribute significantly to benefit community around Lake Toba.