T

he government has called on the people in Medan, North Sumatra, especially religious leaders, to unite and save Lake Toba from pollution given the high level of contamination around the popular resort area.

The government is of the opinion that real action is required from all walks of life to revive the tourist site.

Former Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan urged community and religious leaders to restrain from accepting bribes from anyone, including from companies that contribute to pollution in Lake Toba.

“Religious and community figures should not accept bribes. Money can be sought from other means and don’t play with waste,” Luhut said in his speech on the sidelines of the signing of an action plan on Lake Toba’s regional improvement in Medan on Monday.

North Sumatra Governor T. Erry Nuradi and seven regents from regencies located close to Lake Toba signed the action plan as hundreds of community and religious figures and officials witnessed the ceremony.

Luhut, who has since become the coordinating maritime affairs minister, said the central government fully supported the Lake Toba action plan. He emphasized the issuance of a presidential regulation on the authority of Lake Toba.

According to Luhut, it is time for Lake Toba to be organized as efficiently as possible. Luhut believes the area should be protected by pollution, especially given the fact that the resort area has become a national tourist destination.

Luhut said the government would not hesitate in taking action against those who damage the environment, including companies that pollute Lake Toba. “There is no one we cannot touch. If anyone violates the law and causes discomfort to the people, we will definitely take stern action,” said Luhut, responding to a resident who alleged that the government’s move to curb floating kerambah (fish cages) only targeted those owned by residents, while those owned by companies were left untouched.

Luhut said the presence of kerambah in Lake Toba was now intolerable, so the government planned to issue a moratorium on kerambah in Lake Toba in the next few years.

Governor Erry said the action plan on the handling of Lake Toba will be implemented over a period of two years from 2016 to 2018.

Erry added that this year, a 12-point integrated action plan would be carried out. The government plans to clear kerambah from Lake Toba, improve water quality, deal with deforestation and forest rehabilitation, establish forestry boundaries, realize the Lake Toba Caldera Geopark, conserve water resources and develop transportation in the area.