Lake Toba Research Articles

Culinary and Souvenir Center in Pematangsiantar City with Neo-Vernacular Architecture Approach

Tourists often look for authentic culinary experiences and want to bring home typical souvenirs from the places they visit. Pematangsiantar City, North Sumatra, which is a passageway city for tourists who want to visit Lake Toba, has a variety of culinary and souvenir options. The purpose of this research is to design a culinary and souvenir center in Pematangsiantar City with a neo-vernacular architectural approach. The method used in this design is a qualitative method through literature studies, field studies, and comparative studies that produce space requirements and criteria that will be used as the basis for the design. The results of this research will be the basis for designing a building complex with food stands, souvenir stands, eating and drinking areas, and public open spaces. The whole project is expected to improve the local economy, promote sustainable tourism, and strengthen the cultural identity of Pematangsiantar City.

LEGAL ANALYSIS OF LAND ACQUISITION IN NATIONAL STRATEGIC PROJECTS: A CASE STUDY OF TOBA CASE NO. 5/PID SUS-TPK/2023/PN MDN

This study investigates the legal considerations in a corruption case surrounding land transactions in Desa Parparean, Kecamatan Porsea, Kabupaten Toba. The defendants, Daulat Napitupulu and Lumongga Marsaulina Aruan, held land leased to PT. Dok Bahari Nusantara for ship construction. The Ministry of Transportation later selected this land for a shipyard project to enhance tourism in the Lake Toba region. Allegations of corruption emerged during the land certification and compensation processes, prompting legal proceedings. This research applies a normative juridical approach, analyzing judicial decision-making in Case No. 5/Pid.Sus-TPK/2023/PN Mdn, focusing on whether the defendants misused their authority in certifying and compensating for the land. The findings reveal complex historical and cultural dynamics, particularly around the ancestral and communal (ulayat) land rights of indigenous communities in Lake Toba. The court’s evaluation extended to regulatory inconsistencies, highlighting the need to balance environmental protection with national development interests. Although no procedural or legal violations were found in this case, the decision underscores the importance of clear legal processes in protected areas. It also validates the defendants' land ownership certificate and the compensation determined through lawful and independent appraisal. This case emphasizes the critical role of transparent judicial procedures and the protection of indigenous land rights within national strategic projects.

Analysis of Perceived Value as an Intervening Variable of Aspect-Based Sentiment and Tourist Experience on Lake Toba Tourism Destination Development Problems

Tourism problems must be resolved quickly because every problem that exists will make the name of the tourist spot a negative value in the eyes of other tourists who want to visit, the tours visited at least provide comfort for visitors so that this positive value will have an impact on the decision to revisit or spread positive information to potential new tourists in the tourist environment itself. This research approach is quantitative with the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) model. This approach is able to test the most ideal model in estimating endogenous variables. This research was conducted in the North Sumatra region, precisely at the Lake Toba tourist location and the research target was Lake Toba tourism visitors who came from outside the Tobasa Regency area, the population of Lake Toba tourists who had visited at least 250 people twice, the analysis model used to test the hypothesis in this study was multiple regression analysis using the Smart PLS application. Directly Perceived Value, Aspect-Based Sentiment and Tourist Experience have a Significant Effect on the Problems of Lake Toba Tourism Destination Development, Directly Aspect-Based Sentiment and Tourist Experience have a Significant Effect on Perceived Value of Lake Toba Tourism, Indirectly Aspect-Based Sentiment and Tourist Experience have a Significant Effect on the Problems of Lake Toba Tourism Destination Development through Perceived Value.

The Value of Ecological Wisdom in the Oral Story of the Toba Batak "Tombak Sulu Sulu": An Ethnographic Study

This research explores the values of ecological wisdom contained in Toba Batak's oral stories, especially the legend of "Tombak Sulu Sulu." The background of this research is based on the importance of environmental preservation amid the threat of ecological disasters around Lake Toba. The method used is qualitative, with an ethnographic study conducted in the Bakkara Valley. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, field observations, and documentation related to the legend. The results showed that this legend contains five central values of ecological wisdom: respecting nature, living in harmony with nature, wise use of natural resources, using environmental knowledge for place naming (toponymy), and making nature a spiritual tool. These values emphasize the importance of harmonious relationships between humans and the environment that can be integrated into nature conservation and sustainable development efforts. This research offers a new perspective on how traditional narratives can build societal ecological awareness.

Tourism Village Marketing Branding Towards Sustainable Tourism Based on Local Wisdom

Research aims: This study aims to test and analyze the influence of tourism village branding marketing towards sustainable tourism based on local wisdom.Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employs a quantitative methodology with an associative approach. The study population comprises travelers who visit the Hutatinggi tourist village in the Lake Toba superpriority area which totals 980 tourists. The sample in this study amounted to 140 tourists obtained from 7 x the number of indicators, where the number of Indians was 20x7 = 140 tourists.Research findings: The study's findings indicate, it was found that the variables brand experience, perceived value, brand loyalty, and brand love exert a beneficial and substantial impact on the promotion and maintenance of sustainable tourism. The variables of brand experience, perceived value, brand loyalty, and brand love have a positive and significant influence on sustainable tourism through satisfaction.Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The variables of brand experience, perceived value, brand loyalty, and brand love have a positive and significant influence on sustainable tourism through satisfaction.Practitioners/Policy Implications: The limitations of this research are only for tourist villages in the Lake Toba area, and in the future, it can be developed to tourist villages throughout Indonesia. Research Limitations/Implications: The contribution of local wisdom to be able to increase sustainable tourism for marketing and branding of tourist villages in Hutatinggi, Toba Samosir.

Community readiness to host a world-class tourism destination: Insights from lake Toba

The research focuses on the potential of the Lake Toba area for internationally recognized tourism and explores whether its local people are prepared to welcome foreign travellers. It also discusses whether traditional customs and behaviour of people around Lake Toba have limited tourism. A web survey was conducted with the aim of gathering information from visitors and locals in Lake Toba and North Sumatra to verify if they knew that the lake has been identified as a Super Priority Destination. The results were analysed based on a six-step content analysis. It is from these results that there will be the potentiality of Lake Toba to be a top-class tourist destination for all, something that should really get and inspire everybody: natural beauty, a variety of fauna and flora, nature preservation, improving infrastructure, and cultural diversity. Community welcoming and support of local culture and ways of living enhance the experience of the visitor in this tourism sector. A good number of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concur with the research. SDGs 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 15 (Life on Land) all give priority to conservation and nature's beauty. These two SDGs encourage sustainable operations. SDG 11, which is Sustainable Cities and Communities, stipulates that local culture integrated into tourism supports sustainable cities and communities’ development actions.

The role of voluntary green behavior and green performance in promoting sustainability in the hospitality industry

This study aims to explore how green training, green commitment, and green information management affect green performance in 5-star hotels in Medan City, focusing specifically on voluntary green behavior. The study's participants included 331 employees from seven 5-star hotels in Medan City: JW Marriott Hotel, Aryaduta Hotel, Grand Mercure, Cambridge Hotel, Grand City Hall Medan, Hotel Danau Toba International, and Adimulia Hotel. Each of these hotels has been in operation for more than five years. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings confirm that green training, green commitment, and green knowledge management play important roles in promoting sustainable practices in the hotel industry. Investing in employee training to build knowledge and skills, showing strong management commitment to sustainability, and implementing effective knowledge management are key to creating a work environment that supports sustainability and environmental responsibility. The managerial implications suggest that hotels should focus on developing policies and programs that encourage sustainable practices. This includes improving education and training, strengthening organizational commitment, and adopting effective knowledge management practices. By doing so, hotels can enhance their sustainability performance and strengthen their reputation and competitiveness in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

Tourist Preferences for Hotels and Accommodation in Samosir Regency Based on Online Review

Purpose: This study aims to uncover tourist preferences for various accommodation types, including hotels in Samosir Regency. These preferences include attractiveness, facilities, and hospitality. Research methods: This study uses a qualitative approach through secondary research with data collection from online reviews. The sample consists of 50 accommodations in Samosir Regency based on Google Reviews with ratings > 3.0 and more than 30 reviewers. Data was collected by searching on google.com/travel with a total search result or population of 118 items, and a sample of 50 was obtained using the purposive method with the provisions of the Google Review Summary where the Rating Review was > 3.0; and the Number of Reviews >30 reviewers. Data were analyzed based on the Component Review using a Likert scale for 3 elements of the tourism industry, namely (1) Attraction that consists of atmosphere, location, and property; (2) Facilities consisting of Amenities, Bathrooms, and Bedroom; and (3) Hospitality which consists of Service, Cleanliness, and Food. Result and discussion: The analysis result revealed that the element of attraction shows a very satisfying preference from tourists. In second place is a satisfying preference for hospitality elements. Meanwhile, the facilities element shows the lowest preference or is unsatisfactory. This description of preferences shows that among the elements of tourism, improving the quality of hotel/accommodation facilities can be the biggest priority in efforts to develop tourism in Samosir Regency in providing high satisfaction and return visits. Implication: As a tourist destination, Samosir Regency, which relies on the Lake Toba area, has experienced an increase in tourist visits from year to year, both foreign and local tourists. This is facilitated by the general public's access to information and locations using information technology and the Internet.

THE ROLE OF CALDERA GEOPARK IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF LAKE TOBA SUPER PRIORITY DESTINATIONS, INDONESIA

This study aimed to analyze the role of the Toba Caldera Geopark as a mediating variable in the development of the Lake Toba area using the SEM-PLS data analysis technique. The research method using SEM-PLS analysis consists of submodels, namely measurement and structural models or external and internal models. The convergent validity of the PLS with reflective indicators is assessed based on the loading factors of the indicators. The results demonstrate that the Toba Caldera Geopark can accelerate the role of tourism variables such as attractions, amenities, and ancillaries in enhancing the development of the Lake Toba area. However, development has not increased the influence of tourism accessibility in the Lake Toba area. The integrated management of Caldera Geopark with tourism development is recommended as an effective approach to expedite the development of Lake Toba area. Tourist destinations were reported to significantly influence the development of the Lake Toba area, and the Caldera Toba Geopark mediated efforts to develop the tourism sector. Factors related to tourist destinations, such as attractions, amenities, and ancillaries, played a significant role in the development of the Lake Toba area. Accessibility did not have a significant influence on the development of the area, either directly or indirectly, through the Geopark. Development was required, including improving attractions, amenities, and ancillaries, using the Caldera Toba Geopark as an approach for management, utilization, and development. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and local and international communities creates sustainable tourism development programmes. Meanwhile, attention to environmental sustainability, local culture, and community participation was important for managing the UNESCO Global Geopark.

Utilization of Lake Toba culinary identity for gastronomic tourism development

This research explores the potential of gastronomic tourism in the Lake Toba region of Indonesia, focusing on the unique culinary identity and traditions of the Batak tribe. Batak culinary practices are firmly rooted in local traditions and environmental conditions, with major traditional foods and drinks such as Tuak, Na Niura, and Mie Gomak having strong cultural values. Currently, Lake Toba gastronomic tourism has not become a leading tourism destination. The purpose of this study is to examine how environmental and cultural factors affect local cuisine and beverages in the Lake Toba region and to identify challenges and opportunities in promoting these gastronomic assets effectively. This qualitative research uses interviews, observations, and documentation to collect data. Key stakeholders, including local business owners and Batak cultural experts were interviewed using non-probability snowball sampling to gain comprehensive insights into the region's culinary identity. The results of the study highlight the cultural significance and potential tourist attraction of traditional Batak food and beverages. However, challenges such as tourists' lack of knowledge about local cuisine were identified. The study shows that a more structured and strategic approach, including annual food festivals and culinary tours, is needed to increase the demand for Lake Toba's Gatronomi tourism. This study underscores the need for an annual Lake Toba Gastronomy festival to utilize local culinary heritage, thereby increasing cultural preservation and tourism development in the Lake Toba region.

Nutrient Concentration, Water Brightness, Chlorophyll-a, and Phytoplankton Abundance as Indicators for Determining the Trophic Status of Lake Toba, North Sumatera - Indonesia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the water quality and phytoplankton abundance in Lake Toba to determine its trophic status. This research was conducted from January to March 2024 at four stations in Lake Toba. Water samples were taken using a UWITEC water sampler and a plankton net and brought to the laboratory for analysis. The study measured physical and chemical water quality and phytoplankton abundance. The results showed a brightness ranging between 5.8 and 6.3 meters, chlorophyll-a content <10 µg/L, total nitrogen <750 µg/L, and phosphorus ranging from 20 µg/L to 30 µg/L. Based on these parameters, the nutrient quality of Lake Toba was classified as mesotrophic. Phytoplankton abundance ranged from 22,514 to 33,475 individuals/L, with 33 genera identified across nine classes: Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Coscinodiscophyceae, Dinophyceae, Euglenida, Fragilariophyceae, Mediophyceae, and Zygnemophyceae. The diversity index (H') was 2.631 - 2.723, the uniformity index (E) was 0.828 - 0.872, and the percentage of blue-green algae was 14.75 - 20.85. Zygnemophyceae was the most dominant phytoplankton class, with Staurastrum sp. being the most prevalent species. In conclusion, Lake Toba's waters are categorized as mesotrophic based on the chemical parameters and as eutrophic based on phytoplankton abundance, indicating potential nutrient enrichment issues that warrant further investigation.

Omni-Channel Marketing Strategy for Lake Toba Indonesia Tourist Destinations in Attracting Foreign Tourists

Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Indonesia, is a region of significant potential for attracting international tourists due to its exceptional natural beauty and cultural richness. However, the current influx of foreign visitors remains low compared to other leading tourist destinations in Indonesia. This research investigates the development and implementation of an omni-channel marketing strategy aimed at enhancing Lake Toba's appeal to international travelers. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the tourism industry and quantitative analysis of tourist behavior data. Key challenges identified include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient promotional efforts, and intense global competition. The research proposes strategies that integrate digital and physical marketing channels, personalize content to meet diverse traveler preferences, and leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR). The findings suggest that an omni-channel approach can create a more cohesive and engaging tourist experience, thereby increasing Lake Toba's competitiveness in the global market. The research also highlights the broader implications for digital transformation in Indonesia's tourism sector and suggests directions for future studies focused on long-term impacts and scalability of omni-channel strategies.

Perancangan Buku Infografis Rumah Adat Batak Toba Sebagai Upaya Pelestarian Ragam Hias

Samosir is an island located in the middle of Lake Toba, North Sumatra Province. The tribe that inhabits this island is the Toba Batak tribe. One of its cultures is the traditional house and is a cultural wealth that should be preserved. Simanindo Village is one of the villages that still maintains the Toba Batak Traditional House. However, as time goes by and the location is far away, many young people do not know and understand about the Toba Batak traditional house. The preservation of Toba Batak culture can be threatened if the younger generation lacks knowledge about traditional houses. The purpose of this design is to create an infographic book that contains information about the Toba Batak Traditional House and its decorations that can collaborate with the local Tourism Office and Museum. This design uses the design thinking method and data analysis using SWOT. The final result of this design is an infographic book and supporting works in the form of tote bags and key chains.

Sustainable Tourism Development in Lake Toba: A Comprehensive Analysis of Economic, Environmental, and Cultural Impacts

Sustainable Tourism Development in Lake Toba: A Comprehensive Analysis of Economic, Environmental, and Cultural Impacts

Analysis of the Role of Tourism Awareness Group Communication in Developing Tourism Destinations Based on Local Wisdom in Tipang Village, Baktiraja District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra Province

This research aims to analyze the communication role of the tourism awareness group in Tipang village by prioritizing local wisdom in developing tourism destinations, analyzing the strategies of tourism awareness groups applied in developing tourism destinations, and finding the obstacles experienced by tourism awareness groups in developing tourism destinations based on local wisdom. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a phenomenological paradigm. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. The validity of the data was checked by triangulating interviews with the Lake Toba Authority Implementing Agency (BPODT) and academics who had carried out tourism development activities at the research location. This research found that 1) The communication role of the Tipang village tourism awareness group has three types of roles: active role, participatory role, and passive role.2) Strategy of tourism awareness groups in developing tourism destinations based on local wisdomTipang village implements an integration strategy by involving other tourism destination managers, utilizing information dissemination through social media and print media distributed in strategic areas or places

The Influence of Creativity on Welfare Through Self-Efficacy in the Lake Toba Area of Samosir District

This research aims to analyze the influence of creativity, business interest and self-efficacy on community welfare in the Lake Toba area of Samosir Regency as a tourist attraction, using IBM AMOS path analysis with a sample of 200 people spread across nine sub-districts. This research uses primary data and secondary data collected using the Liskert scale and field observations. The results of the research show that creativity has a direct effect on community welfare, creativity has a direct effect as evidenced by the value (p) = 0.000 < 0.05. Self-efficacy is able to mediate creativity to improve welfare with the result t = 13.15092246 > t table (0.05; 200-4) = 1.972141. Therefore, the first, second and sixth hypotheses in this research can be accepted. Business interests have a direct influence on community welfare. This can be proven by the value (p) = 0.000 < 0.05 while business interest on self-efficacy has no effect with value (p) = 0.34 > 0.05 and self-efficacy is unable to mediate business interest to improve community welfare with calculated t value = -0.93118348 < t table (0.05; 200-4) = 1.982597 then the third hypothesis is accepted while the fourth hypothesis and the seventh hypothesis are rejected.

Gender Stereotypes Portrayed in Five Most Popular Indonesian Folktales: Literature in ELT

Folktales have been a medium through which children can transfer knowledge, language, and cultural values at an early age. The existence of folktales cannot be separated from the values prevalent in society. Numerous moral principles are sound for life. As literary works for learning, folktales should introduce gender roles. However, some local cultures and ideologies can represent the role of gender in some areas. Therefore, this study investigates the gender stereotypes in the five most popular Indonesian folktales: Roro Jonggrang, Timun Mas, The Legend of Malin Kundang, The Origin of Lake Toba, and Bawang Merah Bawang Putih. These stories were chosen because they are the most searchable folktales online and are the most used as learning materials in Indonesian school textbooks: English for Nusantara and When English Rings a Bell. Critical discourse analysis (CDA) analyzes the relationship between discourse language and other semiotic cues. The results revealed two aspects of each character's social and domestic roles. The male characters dominate the stories, where male characters are depicted as people who work, travel, and fight. In contrast, female characters are depicted as housewives who do all the housework. This showed a patriarchal culture is involved in the stories, which impacts the portrayal of men and women in society. Therefore, gender construction in these five most popular folktales is needed as they are used as learning materials to teach values to young learners.

Sentiment Analysis of Reviews of Tourist Attractions in the Lake Toba Area Using the Naïve Bayes Method

Lake Toba is one of the tourism destinations in Indonesia which is the main destination for domestic and foreign tourists. However, the natural beauty of Lake Toba is not enough to develop quality tourist destinations, so analysis needs to be carried out in order to develop tourist destinations that suit tourist needs with the aim of improving the economy from tourism, especially at Lake Toba. One aspect that must be analyzed is comments from tourists who have visited Lake Toba via various platforms. This is very influential for potential future tourists to have a reference for Lake Toba tourism. The analysis process can be carried out by analyzing comments using the Naive Bayes method so that managers of the Lake Toba tourist destination can improve tourist attractions and provide tourist satisfaction and develop various tourism innovations to meet various tourist needs in a sustainable manner. The results of the sentiment analysis of Lake Toba tourist reviews using Naive Bayes detected 31 positive labels, 378 neutral labels and 7 negative labels with an accuracy result of 77.49% from 1260 data, where training data was 1008 and test data was 252 data.

The “Authenticity” of Cannibalism: Persisting Nineteenth-century Colonial Perceptions in the Present-day Tourism Dynamic of Lake Toba

This paper discusses perceptions of the Batak of North Sumatra popular among nineteenth century European audiences and their continuity in the tourism industry and tourist descriptions. In particular, tourist dynamics in the Batak region of Lake Toba are contextualised and interpreted by identifying how local culture has reacted to tourist demand and tourist depictions of the Batak and their culture. The paper undertakes a historiographical survey of nineteenth century European writings that ascribe a “violent,” “primitive,” and “cannibalistic” character to the Batak to illustrate prevailing perceptions of the time. These findings are interpreted through a conceptual analysis that integrates Foucauldian discourse theory, Orientalism, Stuart Hall’s “the West and the Rest” as well as some elements of Marxist-Leninist material history. This analysis of modern tourism dynamics in Lake Toba is thus argued to illustrate how colonial perceptions and power relations have maintained currency through tourism.

SEJARAH PERKEMBANGAN PARIWISATA GEOSITE SIPINCUR SEBAGAI DESTINASI SUPER PRIORITAS WISATA DI HUMBANG HASUNDUTAN

The Sipincur Geosite is one of the Toba calderas in Humbang Hasundutan, precisely in Pearung Village, Paranginan District. Sipincur Geosite is a natural tourist destination filled with Tusam (pine) plants. A tourist destination that offers beautiful natural views, plants and Lake Toba, makes the Sipincur Geosite visited by many tourists. The opening of the Sipincur Geosite started at the same time as Humbang Hasundutan from North Tapanuli bloomed in 2003. The Sipincur Geosite, which is taken from the word "Pincur" which means steep, makes people or visitors want to see Lake Toba directly. Over time, the development and provision of facilities has resulted in the Sipincur Geosite having a positive impact on the community and government. The existence of Lake Toba, which was made by President Joko Widodo as a priority destination, and the inclusion of Lake Toba as a National and International Geopark, has made Sipincur a priority destination and icon for Humbang Hasundtan Regency. The aim of this research is to find out what is the history and development of the Sipincur Geosite tourist destination as an icon and priority destination for Humbang Hasundutan Regency? The method used in this research is qualitative literature study, by conducting reviews through books, journals or websites, which are supported by facts from Humbang Hasundutan tourism service sources.