MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution emphasized that the Green Card status awarded by UNESCO for the Toba Caldera UNESCO Global Geopark (TCUGG) should not be viewed merely as a symbolic achievement, but must translate into tangible economic benefits for communities living around Lake Toba.
He made the statement during an audience with the management of TCUGG held at the Tengku Rizal Nurdin Hall of the Governor's Residence on Jalan Sudirman No. 41, Medan, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. In the meeting, he stressed that geopark management should not focus solely on environmental conservation, but must also prioritize improving the welfare of local residents.
Economic Impact for Local Communities
Bobby Nasution underlined that the successful retention of the UNESCO Green Card status must be used as momentum to further strengthen the tourism sector in the
Lake Toba region. He called on all stakeholders to ensure that increasing visitor numbers also generate direct economic gains for the local population.
"The key point is how we transform the Green Card label, which we achieved through collective hard work, into real added value. First, for tourism by increasing visitor numbers. Second, the community must directly feel the economic benefits," Bobby said.
He also expressed appreciation for all parties involved in the revalidation process that allowed the Toba Caldera Geopark to maintain its status as a
UNESCO Global Geopark. According to him, this achievement reflects long-term collaboration that must continue to be strengthened.
DEVELOPMENT OF GEO-TRAIL ROUTES: TCUGG General Manager Azizul Kholis explains the results of the UNESCO revalidation process and plans for new Geo-Trail routes in the Lake Toba region. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatocs Office)
Balancing Conservation and Tourism Growth
Bobby further highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between tourism development and environmental preservation in the Lake Toba area, which is designated as one of Indonesia's national priority tourism destinations.
"Our home is one of the answers to the future of tourism that preserves nature's balance," he stated.
He reaffirmed that the development of Lake Toba must not come at the expense of the environment. Instead, sustainable tourism should serve as the core principle guiding all development initiatives in the region.
TCUGG Confirms UNESCO Status and Expands Tourism Programs
Meanwhile, TCUGG General Manager Azizul Kholis confirmed that the UNESCO revalidation results had been officially approved, with the final certificate issued as international recognition of the area's management performance.
He explained that the verification process was temporarily affected by technical challenges related to travel to France amid global geopolitical conditions and flight restrictions. However, all administrative procedures have now been completed and officially recognized.
Azizul also presented several development programs, including a Geopark Festival and the strengthening of Geo-Trail travel routes scheduled to be implemented starting July 1, 2026. This new concept will shift tourism routes from being centered in Parapat to a broader and more integrated system.
FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: An exchange between TCUGG management and the
North Sumatra Government regarding sustainable tourism development and international geopark cooperation programs. (PHOTO: Doc.
North Sumatra Communication and Informatocs Office)
Expanding Regional Tourism Networks
He further explained that the new routes will connect the northern and southern clusters of
Lake Toba, stretching through Haranggaol, Porsea, and into Simalungun. This initiative is expected to distribute tourist flows more evenly while strengthening the economies of surrounding villages.
In addition to tourism development, TCUGG also reported international cooperation efforts, including a community empowerment program involving the planting of nearly 2,000 trees in the Kaldera area as part of environmental rehabilitation initiatives.
Toward an Asian Geopark Hub and 2029 Global Forum Bid
TCUGG also plans to develop an integrated international travel route connecting Lake Toba with Phuket, Thailand. This initiative aims to strengthen the networking of geopark destinations at the Asian level.
Another long-term goal is the establishment of the first geopark-based research center in Asia, in collaboration with international expert networks and Indonesia's national research and innovation agency. The center is expected to position
Lake Toba as a global hub for nature-based scientific research.
These initiatives are intended to position the Toba Caldera UNESCO Global Geopark as an internationally standardized tourism destination while increasing North Sumatra's chances of hosting the International Geopark Forum in 2029. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Darmailawati | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala