President to open Lake Toba Charm Carnival

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is scheduled to open Lake Toba Charm Independence Carnival in Balige, North Sumatra, on Sunday as part of the efforts to promote tourist destinations in the region.

“The carnival will be conducted in such a way that it will reflect the cheer and joy of the people. It will also serve as a means to promote Lake Toba,” chief of the events organizing committee Premita Fifi said here Saturday.

The carnival will be held on August 20 and 21. First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo and a number of ministers, ambassadors, actors and actresses will attend the event.

Shortly after opening the carnival in Balige on Sunday, President Joko Widodo is scheduled to walk three and a half kilometers along the road on the side of the lake to Parapat.

The carnival will feature not only Batak arts and culture from North Sumatra but also those from the rest of the country.

“Hundreds of decorated cars will travel from Balige to Parapat. Likewise, scores of decorated boats will accompany them on Lake Toba,” she said.

The carnival is part of efforts to promote Parapat and Lake Toba as national and international tourist destinations, Premita said.

“Admittedly, Lake Toba Charm as a world tourist destination has begun to become overcast. This event is expected to attract more domestic and foreign tourists in the future,” she said.

Lake Toba is among 10 domestic tourist destinations which are quite popular, particularly in Sumatra, she said.