The Department of Industry, Trade, Energy and Mineral Resources of North Sumatra Province received a proposal to legalize small-scale mining in the Lake Toba Caldera Geopark area, specifically in Siregar Aek Nalas Village, Uluan District, Toba Regency.

The proposal was submitted by the Toba Regency government through the Deputy Regent of Toba, along with representatives from the Siregar Aek Nalas village community who have been conducting traditional mining activities in the area.

The Head of the North Sumatra Industry, Trade, Energy and Mineral Resources Department stated that his office will accommodate and comprehensively review the proposal to change the mining area into a Small-Scale Mining Area, in accordance with applicable regulations.

“Of course, we will accept the proposal and will review and follow it up according to the applicable regulations,” he said while receiving the Deputy Regent of Toba and community representatives at the department office in Medan on Friday (5/6/2026).

According to him, the proposal emerged because the mining site on the shores of Lake Toba has been managed by the community for generations as a source of livelihood.

Nevertheless, the department emphasized that the review will be conducted thoroughly, involving the Governor of North Sumatra, relevant agencies, and seeking input from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

“This proposal is a serious concern because it involves the livelihood of the community that has been ongoing for a long time. However, how small-scale mining can be managed without disrupting the preservation of the Lake Toba Caldera Geopark and Lake Toba must also be a primary concern,” he said.

Previously, the department halted the activities of 40 small-scale mining processing sites in Siregar Aek Nalas Village after they were found operating in the hilly area of Lake Toba, which is part of the National Strategic Area.

The enforcement was carried out based on instructions from the Governor and Vice Governor of North Sumatra in an effort to crack down on illegal mining activities considered potentially damaging to the Lake Toba Caldera Geopark, which holds UNESCO Global Geopark status, and the Lake Toba area as a National Tourism Strategic Area.

According to the department, spatially, the location of the mining activities is in an area that must be protected or have its use controlled, so mining activities are not in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

“The Lake Toba National Tourism Strategic Area and the Lake Toba Caldera Geopark must be saved from all forms of damage, including mining activities that do not comply with regulations,” he emphasized.

Lake Toba Caldera Geopark

Lake Toba Caldera Geopark in North Sumatra, Indonesia, is a UNESCO Global Geopark centered around the world’s largest volcanic lake, formed by a supervolcanic eruption approximately 74,000 years ago. This cataclysmic event created the massive caldera and dramatically impacted the global climate. The site holds significant geological and cultural value, as the Batak people have inhabited the area for centuries, with their traditional villages and unique architecture dotting the lake’s shores and the island of Samosir.

Siregar Aek Nalas Village

Siregar Aek Nalas Village is a traditional Batak settlement located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its well-preserved ancestral houses and cultural heritage. Historically, it served as a key center for the Batak Toba community, with its architecture reflecting centuries-old customs and social structures. The village remains an important site for understanding Batak history, including traditional governance and the influence of early Christian missionaries in the region.

Uluan District

Uluan District is a historical area located in the highlands of North Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its scenic volcanic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It was once part of the ancient Batak kingdom and played a role in the region’s resistance during the Dutch colonial era. Today, the district is recognized for its traditional Batak villages, rice terraces, and proximity to natural attractions like Lake Toba.

Toba Regency

Toba Regency is a region in North Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its stunning natural beauty centered around Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. The area holds deep cultural and historical significance as the homeland of the Batak Toba people, and it was shaped by a massive supervolcanic eruption around 74,000 years ago that created the lake. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors exploring Samosir Island and Batak traditional architecture.

Lake Toba

Lake Toba is a massive volcanic lake in Sumatra, Indonesia, formed by a supervolcanic eruption approximately 74,000 years ago—one of the largest known eruptions in Earth’s history. This cataclysmic event created the lake’s caldera and the island of Samosir at its center. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and the unique Batak culture of the surrounding region.

National Strategic Area

The term “National Strategic Area” is not a specific cultural site but rather a designation used by governments to identify regions of critical importance to national security, economic stability, or infrastructure. These areas often include military bases, energy facilities, or transportation hubs, and their history is tied to strategic planning during wartime or periods of geopolitical tension. Due to their sensitive nature, detailed historical and cultural information about such areas is typically restricted.

UNESCO Global Geopark

A UNESCO Global Geopark is a single, unified geographical area where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development. The UNESCO Global Geoparks designation was established in 2015, building on a prior network created in 2004, to recognize areas that use their geological heritage to foster local community engagement and economic growth. These parks highlight the connection between human history and Earth’s geological processes, often featuring unique rock formations, fossils, and cultural traditions shaped by the landscape.

National Tourism Strategic Area

The “National Tourism Strategic Area” typically refers to a government-designated region that is prioritized for tourism development due to its cultural, natural, or historical significance. These areas often receive focused investment and policy support to enhance infrastructure, preserve heritage, and boost visitor experiences. Their history may involve a shift from traditional or local use to a nationally recognized hub for economic and cultural tourism.