Tebing Tinggi

Tebing Tinggi – City of Lemang

What we now know today as the city of Tebing Tinggi in North Sumatra was once just a small settlement formed in 1864. It was founded by a nomad named Datuk Bandar Kajum, who chose the area as because it provided a high vantage point that allowed him and his clan to see enemy armies closing in on them. Fast forward to 2023, and the 38.438 square kilometer city of Tebing Tinggi, with its population of 178,914 residents, has become known for its industry, for its historic heritage, as well as for its Lemang glutinous rice dish.

Remnants of the city's history with the Padang Kingdom can be seen through Istana Negeri Padang place, built in the 1800s to house the king. More detailed relics and tours of Tebing Tinggi's history are available through Tebing Tinggi City Museum and its cultural exhibits that shine light on the local Batak Simalungun, Toba, Nias and Javanese ethnic groups. Once you've had your fill of local culture, you can visit the nearby Laut Tador Lake and relax thanks to the area's tranquil atmosphere and scenic natural vistas. Alternatively, if you want thrills, you can try your hand at white water rafting at Arung Jeram Bahbolon. If you're bringing along your family, Gundaling Waterpark is the perfect place to go and have fun together.

In terms of its overall economy, Tebing Tinggi in the past few years has experienced positive and stable (if below average) growth numbers. In 2021, it grew 2.51 percent. In 2022, this number went up to 4.01, before dropping slightly to 3.98 percent in 2023. Its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at current prices in 2023 amounted to Rp 7.43 trillion, with the biggest contributing industries being wholesale retail and trade (at Rp 1.85 trillion or 24.87 percent), construction (at Rp 1.09 trillion or 14.67 percent), and manufacturing (at Rp 853 billion or 11.49 percent).