Jakarta, July 11 -- Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism is looking to tap into the rich tourism potential of the area surrounding Lake Toba in North Sumatra by engaging local communities.

In a statement issued on Friday, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa said she had visited several tourist sites in Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatra, to assess the region's tourism prospects.

She said she was impressed by the stunning views of Lake Toba from the Sipinsur Geosite, explored Sisingamangaraja Castle, and visited the 30-meter-high Air Terjun Janji waterfall.

At the waterfall, she recalled, King Sisingamangaraja once summoned three Batak leaders - King Manullang, King Sinambela, and King Marbun.

The deputy minister also visited the terrace...