Sam Nujumo 'crowned' as king of a Batak tribe

PARAPAT, North Sumatra (JP): Visiting Namibian President Sam Nujumo was crowned King of a Batak tribe here yesterday in a traditional ceremony on the shore of Lake Toba.

Accompanied by State Minister of Administrative Reform T.B. Silalahi, Nujumo and his wife Theopoldine toured the lake in the morning before stopping at Tomok, on Samosir island, for the 30- minute crowning ceremony.

"I'm proud to be crowned as a Batak tribal King, and I have invited the Batak chiefs to visit Namibia to see their King," Nojumo told reporters, bursting into laughter.

Nujumo and his entourage arrived in Jakarta Thursday for a five-day state visit. He arrived at this popular holiday resort Saturday after holding bilateral talks with President Soeharto Friday, in which both agreed to boost trade links between the two countries.

Commenting on the setting for the ceremony, Nujumo said: "The lake is very beautiful. If I ever come here again I'll bring my swimming trunks."

The atmosphere around the lake was subdued as many people were still mourning relatives who drowned in the lake when an overloaded ferry sunk last month.

Minister Silalahi hoped that Nujumo's visit would help promote the lake and boost the number of tourists visiting North Sumatra after a sharp decrease in tourist visits last year.

"We need to promote this resort and other tourist destinations here because Bali has been overpromoted compared to other areas," said Silalahi, who was born and grew up near Lake Toba.

"We must offer more cultural activities and provide better facilities and services," he said.

Nujumo and his entourage departed for Bali later yesterday where they were to stay overnight. They leave for Namibia tonight. (prb)