Friday, 31 July 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor, Bobby Nasution, has taken decisive steps to put an end to the long-standing issue of illegal levies at the Lau Debuk-debuk hot springs tourist area in Semangat Gunung Village, Karo Regency. In addition to abolishing entrance charges imposed on visitors, Bobby Nasution is also preparing the construction of two new access roads to the popular tourist destination as part of broader efforts to improve tourism management across North Sumatra.
The move is seen as a strong response from the government to the widespread practice of unauthorized fees that has generated complaints from visitors and sparked public controversy for years. The North Sumatra Provincial Government and the Karo Regency Government are now working together to establish a more professional management system that prioritizes visitor comfort while empowering local communities.The commitment was reaffirmed when Bobby Nasution received Karo Regent Antonius Ginting during an official meeting at the North Sumatra Governor's Office on Jalan Diponegoro No. 30, Medan, on Monday (June 22, 2026).
According to Bobby Nasution, eliminating visitor fees is the first step toward strengthening the positive image of regional tourism while increasing the competitiveness of North Sumatra's tourist destinations."We are committed to no longer charging visitors any fees. This is the first step in elevating our tourism destinations to a higher standard. At the same time, easier access is equally important," Bobby Nasution said.
His statement reflects the government's determination to address issues that have long been viewed as obstacles to tourism development. Repeated complaints about unauthorized charges have the potential to reduce visitor numbers and create a negative perception of local destinations.For that reason, the government is focusing not only on removing the fees but also on upgrading supporting infrastructure to make the Karo hot springs area more accessible to visitors from various regions.
Karo Regent Antonius Ginting explained that the first route will connect Penatapan Berastagi with Semangat Gunung Village. The second route will link Jaranguda in Berastagi directly to Semangat Gunung.
According to him, the two alternative routes will significantly improve access for visitors traveling from Medan, Simalungun, and Southeast Aceh. The roads are also expected to reduce travel time and ease traffic congestion, which frequently occurs in the Berastagi area."Visitors from Medan will be able to reach the destination directly without passing through Daulu. Travelers from Simalungun and Southeast Aceh can use the Jaranguda route. These roads will also help reduce traffic congestion. Those who do not intend to stop in Berastagi can use these alternative routes," Antonius Ginting said.
The infrastructure development demonstrates that the government's efforts extend beyond eliminating illegal charges. It also aims to improve service quality and enhance visitor comfort. With better transportation connectivity and more professional management, the Karo hot springs area is expected to attract more domestic and international tourists.The government believes that quality infrastructure serves as a foundation for sustainable tourism growth. In addition to increasing visitor arrivals, the new roads are expected to stimulate local economic activities.
To ensure that tourism benefits are directly felt by local residents, Bobby Nasution is also promoting the development of a tourism village in the Karo hot springs area.
The concept aims to integrate various community-based economic activities into a single tourism ecosystem. Plans include the establishment of a souvenir center, a culinary center or food court, and various micro, small, and medium enterprises managed directly by local residents.Bobby Nasution emphasized that local communities must become the primary stakeholders in tourism development so that economic growth can be enjoyed more broadly.
"It may be possible for companies operating in the area to utilize their CSR funds. Several companies could combine their CSR programs to develop the tourism village, which would then be managed by the local community," he said.According to Bobby, collaboration between government institutions, businesses, and communities is a key factor in developing a modern and competitive tourism destination. Through the utilization of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, tourism facilities can be developed collectively without placing the full burden on the regional budget.
The tourism village is also expected to create new employment opportunities and expand business prospects for local residents. As a result, tourism is being positioned not only as a leisure sector but also as a driver of regional economic development.
Alongside the elimination of visitor charges, the Karo Regency Government is preparing a new mechanism to secure regional revenue from the tourism sector.
Antonius Ginting explained that taxes and levies will instead be collected from businesses operating within the tourism area, including restaurants, accommodations, bathing facilities, parking operators, and other commercial establishments.He noted that business operators have agreed to the mechanism because it is considered fairer and does not impose additional burdens on tourists.
"Levies will be collected through these businesses. Residents who previously worked in parking services, fee collection, or cleaning operations will be integrated into more professional employment arrangements," Antonius Ginting said.The policy is viewed as a concrete step toward ending the long-standing practice of illegal levies. Individuals previously involved in fee collection are expected to gain employment opportunities within a more structured and professional system.
The government hopes the new management framework will create a healthier, more transparent, and competitive tourism environment. Through the elimination of visitor charges, the construction of new access roads, and the development of a community-based tourism village, the Karo hot springs area is expected to become one of North Sumatra's leading tourist destinations-modern, comfortable, and free from illegal levies.Also attending the meeting were North Sumatra Assistant for Government Affairs Basarin Yunus Tanjung, Head of the North Sumatra Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency Chandra Dalimunthe, Head of the North Sumatra Communication and Information Office Erwin Hotmansah Harahap, along with other provincial officials. Karo Regional Secretary Gelora Kurnia Putra Ginting and several representatives of the Karo Regency Government were also present. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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