Jakarta (ANTARA) - The implementation of the F1 Powerboat World Championship (F1H2O) at Lake Toba generated a multiplier effect for the surrounding community, Deputy Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo has said.
The F1H2O was held at Muliaraja Napitupulu Port, Lake Toba, Balige, North Sumatra, on February 24–26, 2023. "This international event's success is believed to have a multiplier effect not only in terms of Lake Toba's name, which is increasingly known to the world, but also for the economy of the people around Lake Toba," she said in a written statement released on Monday.
According to her, at least 180 million people followed the F1H2O via various means, such as social media, broadcasts, and others. The hosting of the prestigious world-class motorboat racing event at Lake Toba was aimed at garnering international interest.
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"I am optimistic that this event is only the start of various other big events (that will be held) at Lake Toba that will increase the welfare of the local community and revive local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with their creative products," she said.
The deputy minister expressed the hope that the successful implementation of the event would attract more tourists and improve development and investment in the area. The series of F1H2O events also featured a Tor-tor dance performance by local students wearing the traditional Batak textile, Ulos. A traditional Sigale-gale puppet performance was also presented before President Joko Widodo and ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet. The event was also enlivened by an aerobatics show by the Indonesian Air Force's (TNI AU's) Jupiter Aerobatics Team and a performance by Batak singer Lea Simanjuntak.
