In Samosir, Sandiaga Emphasizes The Importance Of A Tourism Awareness Program To Drive Income

Sandiaga Uno (Photo via Ministry)

JAKARTA - The Tourism Awareness Program, if done properly, can improve the quality of destinations and village incomes, including for the people of Ambarita Village, Samosir, North Sumatra.

"We want an increase in people's income and open business opportunities because with the film 'Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap' and with the stipulation of Samosir Regency and the Lake Toba Region as super priority tourist destinations by President Joko Widodo, tourist visits will increase," said the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno in his statement, Friday, July 22.

It is known, the film entitled Horrible Sedap is a film by comic artist Bene Dion Rajagukguk which takes the background story in the Lake Toba area.

So with the selection of Lake Toba as one of the super priority destinations, it is necessary to present skilled and agile human resources in the tourism sector and the creative economy.

Sandiaga also assessed that Ambarita Village is one of the gateways to enter Samosir Island from the areas around Lake Toba.

"We need a community that welcomes tourists with hospitality, excellent service, and cleanliness, safety, health as well as environmental sustainability, waste management, to the use of new and renewable energy," he said.

Sandiaga explained that his party facilitated training for the community in Ambarita Village and provided knowledge about Sapta Pesona and the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, Environmental Sustainability) protocol.

"The goal is for people to really see this tourism as part of their lives to improve their livelihoods and their economy," said Sandiaga.

Sandiaga came accompanied by the Deputy for Industry and Investment of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Baparekraf Henky Hotma Parlindungan Manurung; Special Staff of the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy for the Sector of Tourism Destinations and Strategic Issues, Brigadier General Ario Prawiseso.

Then the Deputy Secretary for Resources and Institutions of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Adella Raung; and Director of the Tourism Industry and Tourism Institution of BPODT, Raja Malem Ukur Tarigan. Also present was the Regent of Samosir, Vandiko Gultom.