COOL - AMPHABETIC AIRCRAFT DEMO FLIGHT IN SAMOSIR - LAKE TOBA
Samosir Regent Tests Seaplane: A New Era and Attraction for Samosir Regency Tourism
09/22/2025
Samosir Communication and Information Agency (9/22)
North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, along with Samosir Regent Vandiko T. Gultom and West Pakpak Regent Frans Bernard Tumanggor, conducted the first test flight of an amphibious aircraft from Silangit Airport to Mariana Resort Port in Tuktuk Siadong, Simanindo District, on Monday (9/22/2025).
This new transportation option on Lake Toba is expected to improve connectivity between regions, tourism, and public services, especially in island and coastal areas. This was conveyed by North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution after conducting a seaplane demonstration flight at Mariana Resort Port in Simanindo District.
"This is one transportation approach to Lake Toba, specifically Samosir Island. There are five-star accommodations here that serve as landing points for amphibious aircraft," he said.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government, along with the Samosir Regency Government, and relevant agencies, will proceed with the Ministry of Transportation to process all relevant permits, as landing on water is not permitted without permission.
"Earlier, we tried a demo flight from Silangit Airport. Demo flights are one of the requirements for landing, and it felt good," said Bobby.
Bobby hopes that with the increase in transportation modes available in North Sumatra Province, particularly in the Lake Toba area, there will be an increase in tourist visits to the Lake Toba area, especially Samosir.
The seaplane itself is targeted to be operational commercially in the Lake Toba area no later than 2026. The North Sumatra Provincial Government is also seeking to collaborate with other airlines so that visitors to Lake Toba can use the seaplane, or amphibious aircraft.
In his remarks, Samosir Regent Vandiko T. Gultom stated that the amphibious aircraft test flight was a follow-up to a recent meeting with the Ministry of Transportation regarding efforts to increase connectivity to Lake Toba, particularly Samosir. It also demonstrated the Samosir Regent's commitment to supporting the Lake Toba tourism sector, particularly in Samosir Regency.
"Praise God, today we were able to land for the first time. Hopefully, this will increase tourism visits to Samosir. This was our first experience with the Governor of North Sumatra on an amphibious aircraft, and we were very enthusiastic about landing in Samosir. I'm certainly quite happy. It brings a unique character to Samosir tourism," Vandiko said.
Following the demonstration/test flight, the Samosir Regent stated that he would submit a report to the Ministry of Transportation and hoped the Ministry would recommend a flight schedule or permit to boost the tourism sector. "With the amphibious aircraft being able to land directly on Lake Toba, it will certainly provide a new experience for tourists. This will herald a new era for Samosir Regency tourism and become a major attraction," Vandiko explained.
For the demonstration flight, the Samosir Regent explained that the amphibious aircraft is still chartered by a private company, with a capacity of 11 people, including the pilot and crew. Several landing sites have been proposed to the Ministry of Transportation, one of which is in Tuktuk Siadong, Simanindo District.
"If other countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have seaplanes, then Samosir will have planes landing on the lake. We hope this will allow for scheduled flights. Samosir is an island, so connectivity will be maximized, with land, lake, and air routes. If an amphibious aircraft airport is established in Samosir, it could be proposed to receive international flights. The market is there, and the potential lies in Lake Toba," said Vandiko Gultom.
Meanwhile, Charles A. Simbolon, President Director of PT Parna Raya Group, said the presence of the amphibious aircraft is expected to provide easier access for tourists and boost economic growth through the tourism sector.
"Hopefully, the number of tourists visiting the Lake Toba area will continue to increase. Moreover, the Lake Toba Authority has targeted a surge in tourist visits from 700,000 to 1 million," he said.
PT Parna Raya Group is known to be one of the investors in the amphibious aircraft flights on Lake Toba. The aircraft used for the demonstration flight over Lake Toba was a new model, manufactured in 2023. This was the first amphibious aircraft flight to land on Lake Toba.
"This is an initiative of the Governor of North Sumatra, along with the Regents of Samosir and Samosir. If all goes smoothly, it will be ready for use by the public next year. Regarding routes and pricing, we will discuss this further," he concluded.