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Modernized Silangit Airport to boost Lake Toba tourism
Tourists take part in the Tor-Tor dance at Hutabolon Simanindo Museum in Samosi regency, which is close to Silangit Airport in North Sumatra
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Tourists take part in the Tor-Tor dance at Hutabolon Simanindo Museum in Samosi regency, which is close to Silangit Airport in North Sumatra. (kompas.com/Fitri Prawitasari) (kompas.com/Fitri Prawitasari)
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span class="caption">Tourists take part in the Tor-Tor dance at Hutabolon Simanindo Museum in Samosi regency, which is close to Silangit Airport in North Sumatra. (kompas.com/Fitri Prawitasari)
Silangit Airport in North Sumatra will be modernized and expanded to support the government's vision of turning Lake Toba and its surroundings into a prominent tourist destination.
After the renovation, the airport will be able to accommodate medium-bodied aircraft like the Airbus A320 Neo.
Located in North Tapanuli district, Silangit Airport is the closest airport to Lake Toba, which could be reached in 30 minutes to one hour of driving, said Budi Karya Sumadi, president director of state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II.
While the airport would feature a modern look, it would also uphold traditional elements, he said. "This can be seen in the terminal design, which is inspired by bolon Toba, the traditional house of North Tapanuli," Bayu said in a statement received by thejakartapost.com on Friday.
"We are optimistic that through this development, more airlines will be interested in opening direct flights to help local and foreign tourists travel to Lake Toba," he added.
The first phase of the upgrade will see the runway extended to 2,450 x 45 meters, allowing larger aircraft to land at the airport. As a result, direct flights to and from the airport should become more affordable.
Angkasa Pura II would then develop a cargo terminal and parking area; to support safety at the airport, rescue and fire-fighting facilities would be expanded, Budi added.
The government earlier revealed plans to make Lake Toba the country's first single-authority tourism site in a bid to simplify infrastructure development and the management of tourism facilities.
'The government aims to make Lake Toba the Monaco of Asia,' Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli said.
Another measure to facilitate Lake Toba tourism was to [improve infrastructure] to cut down the journey time to and from Kualanamu International Airport in Deli Serdang regency from four hours to just one and a half, he added. (bbn)(+)
