Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, expressed his aspirations to elevate Lake Toba’s status to a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Tourism. He shared this vision during a meeting with the People’s Aspirational Agency (BAM) from the Indonesian House of Representatives. “We are working hard to transition Lake Toba from an Authority Body to a Special Economic Zone,” Bobby stated on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
The current Authority Body faces limitations in its investment regulations. By establishing an SEZ, Lake Toba is poised to become a significant economic hub, grounded in principles of sustainable environmental stewardship.
“To achieve this, the North Sumatra provincial government is currently developing an academic study,” Bobby added. Collaborative efforts are underway involving local governments and various stakeholders to enhance the region, focusing on sustainable tourism infrastructure, agriculture, and fisheries, alongside the management of the lake’s environment. There is also a strong emphasis on empowering local communities through training and education initiatives.
Bobby further highlighted other vital ecosystems in North Sumatra, including the Batang Toru ecosystem, Mount Leuser National Park, and Batang Gadis National Park. These areas not only harbor protected wildlife but also play a crucial role in ensuring clean water availability for local communities while contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Nasril Bahar expressed enthusiasm for the concept of converting Lake Toba into an SEZ, noting that Indonesia already has several tourism-specific SEZs, and Lake Toba showcases immense potential. Additionally, fellow Member of Parliament Siti Mukaromah emphasized the extraordinary tourism potential in North Sumatra, highlighting the importance of developing a tourism ecosystem that preserves ecological sustainability.
In attendance at this meeting were key figures including the Head of the North Sumatra Planning Agency, Dikky Anugerah, the Head of the Environment and Forestry Agency, Heri Marpaung, the Head of Public Works and Housing Agency, Hendra Dermawan, and other heads of North Sumatra provincial agencies.
