Photo caption: Royal couple of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at Singgolom Hill near Lake Toba in North Sumatera – on a State Visit March 2020

Indonesia and the Netherlands are working together on developing sustainable tourism around Lake Toba, North Sumatra, by implementing the Living Lab concept. This concept combines the strengths of educational and research institutions from both countries in collaboration with the local community, entrepreneurs, government and the business sector (Jakarta Globe, 13-03-2020).

The development of Lake Toba, a central government-designated top-priority tourism destination, is expected to help expedite infrastructure development, preserve the environment, and boost the welfare of the local community. For a successful development of Lake Toba, the involvement of businesses is crucial.

 

Foster innovation in education

Along the lines of the Dutch economic mission to North Sumatra, which will take place later this year, companies have been invited to submit an expression of interest in support of business development around Lake Toba to become a sustainable tourism destination. Four (4) case studies have been selected:

• Eco Tourism: Community Based Products
• Eco Tourism: Sustainable Supply Chain
• Sustainable Waste Management
• Renewable Energy

These case studies will form the foundation for digital student projects for groups of students from the Netherlands and Indonesia.

The Living Lab is supported by the Regional Government, the Lake Toba Tourism Authority Board (BOPDT), the Dutch Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (CELTH), Nuffic’s Netherlands Support Office in Indonesia (Nuffic Neso), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as a diverse network of Indonesian NL Alumni in North Sumatra. Technical support and an online work environment to develop innovations in Lake Toba will be provided by learning platform, Kriya (www.kriyapeople.com).

 Join the ‘knowledge in practice: Living Lab Sustainable Tourism’ session on the 27th of October (day 2 of WINNER) to learn more about this initiative!