Central Tapanuli also has religious tourism for non-Muslims such as Salib Kasih (the Cross of Love).
This destination is famous for religious tourism in Tapanuli, Salib Kasih Monument is a large monument in the shape of the Cross.
Historically this monument was erected to commemorate the services of a German missionary who brought Christianity to Tapanuli.
Around the Salib Kasih Monument, there are natural attractions in the form of lush forests and clearly.
The Salib Kasih Monument stands firmly facing the City of Tarutung and is equipped with a chapel called the House of Prayer.
Located in Bukit Dolok, Siatas Barita, North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province, Salib Kasih Hill is about 2 kilometers from the city of Tarutung.
The cross has a height of 30 meters above the ground. The cross is supported by three large pillars of great size and is easily seen from a distance.
This place has become a Christian spiritual tourism object in the North Tapanuli area. It is in great demand and is visited by both foreign and local tourists, especially on Christian holidays, such as Christmas or Easter.
The Salib Kasih Monument which is located in Siatas Barita is a place built to commemorate the services of a Christian missionary who came from Germany, Dr. Ingwer Ludwig Nommensen who died on May 23, 1918, and was buried in the Sigumpar village, about 60 kilometers from North Tarutung.
Just behind the pulpit is a large rock, where Dr. Ludwig Nommensen prayed for the first time when he arrived at Rura Silindung to begin his mission.
At the cross tourism location, there are several houses of prayer, selfie rides, a place to sell souvenirs about The Salib Kasih Monument, a large parking area, restaurants, and several other facilities.
How to get there?
To get to the location of the Salib Kasih Monument, visitors must climb and pay for a cheap entrance ticket.
A hike of about 1 kilometer can be done while enjoying the shady and calm hills, the sound of the breeze among the surrounding pine trees.
Not only the scenery and the comfortable atmosphere but along the way visitors were also presented with the 10 Commandments and Holy Verses that written on wood or stone carvings and taped to pine trees.
There are also inscriptions engraved on gravestones, written by families, Christian organizations, or church congregants that come from outside the city and abroad as a memento for them.
In that place, there are chapels, that were built from donated. Each visitor can pray in a room measuring 2 x 2 meters.
In front of the Cross, there is a seat made of white ceramic. This place can accommodate approximately 500 people. At the front, there is an altar or pulpit where the pastor gives spiritual cleansing.
Then, behind the pulpit, there is the background of the Silindung or Tarutung Valley. The arrangement of a small garden and an open stage for singing spiritual songs adds to its beauty.
At night, the Salib Kasih Monument emits light that spreads a sense of peace, hints that Tarutung is a city of spiritual tourism that is peaceful and religious.
