Lake Toba is one of 10 priority tourist destinations set by the government of Indonesia. Its beauty can not be denied, especially this caldera lake has been recognized by the people of Indonesia until foreign countries. In 2017, there is one more activity that aims to promote the beauty of Lake Toba namely Toba Nauli Photo Contest & Exhibition 2017 (TNP17). A competition and photo exhibition themed Lake Toba which entered into the Calendar of Event Tourism Lake Toba 2017 which was inaugurated by the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia. TNP17 is the only photography activity that has full support from the Ministry of Tourism. Of course, because this activity is in line with the mission of the Ministry of Tourism to develop Lake Toba tourism into a world-class destination. TNP17 itself consists of 3 main activities namely online photo competition, photo exhibition, and photo clinic and workshop. After a long contest and curation process, finally Toba Nauli Photo Contest and Exhibition 2017 (TNP17) has entered the peak of the event. Taking place at Jakarta Mandiri Museum, Toba Nauli Photo Exhibition 2017 has officially opened on July 27, 2017, showcasing 75 best photo works and 5 photo contest winners. This photo exhibition aims to show the charm of Lake Toba from various perspectives to the domestic and foreign community. Closing and Awarding Toba Nauli 2017 is very special because it was attended by the Coordinating Minister for the Ministry of Marine Affairs,Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan
and Chairman of H3 Community, Dumoly F. Pardede. Prior to joining the closing ceremony, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan conducted a gallery visit and tour along with the three curator of Toba Nauli 2017 namely NicolasMarino, Ricky Siegers, and Aryono Huboyo Djati, and the five winners of the photo contest. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan really pay attention to every photo of Lake Toba carefully, looking at the value of natural and cultural beauty that is narrated in a photo.I am so honoured pointed as head curator for this photo contest and exhibition. Working together with other talented curator also become an excellent learning process to see and try understand the way other curators judging the selection photos.Beside judging the photo contest I have the privilege to share my knowledge and photography vision as a speaker at the TNP17 photo clinic. It was fun and a good way to have social interact with many photographer from different background. In the end the photo contest, the exhibition and the photo clinic reach the main goal to promote Toba as one of the best tourist destination in Indonesia. Toba have a lot to give, great culture and great landscape. Visit Toba if you can, Toba is a place to come and sit back, relax and absorb some beautiful pristine scenery. As you sit and take in the view of the picturesque mountains set against the cool clear lake, you will feel the worries of the world melt away. As the lake sits 900 meters above sea level there is a cooler climate here making a refreshing break from the heat, humidity and pollution of the city. Lake Toba is one of the awesome natural wonders of the world. For more photos and information about The Toba Nauli Photo Contest and Exhibition 2017 feel free to visit :www.tobanauli.id