Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government will disburse Rp4.04 trillion in budget funding to develop infrastructure in support of the Lake Toba tourist destination in 2020, Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated.
Moreover, the World Bank will extend loans worth US$200 million for infrastructure development around one of the country's top tourist destinations.
"The budget fund will be earmarked for many things, including tourism spots. In total, we will develop 39 tourism points that we are promoting now," he noted in a written statement released on Monday.
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Pandjaitan, accompanied by Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, North Sumatra Governor Edi Rahmayadi, and Toba Samosir District Head Darwin Siagian, attended the inauguration of the Toba Caldera Resort in Sibisa, North Sumatra, on Monday.
Pandjaitan is optimistic that the development of infrastructure around Lake Toba would garner positive response from the local residents. The minister ensured that investment in the development of infrastructure will boost the economy of the local people.
The government will provide guidance to the local people to support the development of the tourist destination, he stated.
He appealed to all parties, especially the people living around Lake Toba, to go hand-in-hand and work hard for common welfare.
"Once again I urge all sides. Let us develop Toba. Let us work hard," he stated.
The government will always be heedful of the aspirations of the people and empower those living around Lake Toba to develop the tourist destination, he stated.
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