Lake Toba festival to promote tourism

PARAPAT, North Sumatra: The Lake Toba Festival is expected not only to attract tourists, but also to encourage the local Batak people to preserve their culture and tradition.

Governor Raja Inal Siregar said when opening the four-day event on Thursday that the activities are not meant to merely entertain, but also to educate people of the importance of their heritage.

Around 265,000 foreign tourists visited the province last year, representing a 10-percent increase from 1993 with 198,807 tourists.

The festival, which will end tomorrow, is marked with numerous activities, including an exhibition featuring the wealth of arts and cultures of the province's 11 regencies.

A number of contests, including a vocal group competition, are also being held. The festival also features the traditional Batak opera, as well as several sports tournament including mountain bike and boat races. (imn)