MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government is strengthening the strategic partnership between North Sumatra and the French Republic through cooperation in various sectors, including investment, education, research, renewable energy, and cultural exchange.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government views closer cooperation with France as a major opportunity to accelerate regional development, encourage innovation, and improve the welfare of communities in both regions.
Efforts to deepen the relationship were conveyed by North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya during a reception celebrating France's National Day, Bastille Day, held in Medan on Monday evening, July 14, 2026.
Representing the North Sumatra Provincial Government, Surya extended his congratulations to the French Government and people on the national celebration, which is commemorated annually on July 14.
"On behalf of the government and all people of North Sumatra Province, I extend my sincere congratulations to the French Government and the entire French people on France's National Day," Surya said.
RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OF ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE MEDAN: North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya acknowledges the role of Alliance Française de Medan in strengthening friendship between North Sumatra and France through education, arts, and cultural programs. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
North Sumatra and France Deepen Strategic Cooperation
Surya stated that diplomatic relations between Indonesia and France, which have lasted for more than seven decades, demonstrate that cooperation based on mutual trust can continue to grow and provide benefits for the people of both countries.
According to him, France's National Day is not only a moment to commemorate the historic storming of the Bastille but also an opportunity to reflect on the universal values of the French Revolution: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité — liberty, equality, and fraternity.
"The diplomatic relations between Indonesia and France, which have existed for more than seventy years, prove that cooperation built on mutual trust can continue to develop and bring benefits to the people of both countries," he explained.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government considers Indonesia-France relations to have continued to strengthen in recent years. Strategic cooperation in education, creative economy, technology, energy, research, and sustainable development remains a key focus.
Surya also acknowledged the important role of the Alliance Française de Medan as a bridge of friendship between North Sumatra and France through various language, education, arts, and cultural programs.
He said the institution provides important spaces for interaction and knowledge exchange, further strengthening relations between the people of North Sumatra and France.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government welcomes various cooperation initiatives between Indonesia and France, including the spirit of France–Indonesia Innovation 2026, which serves as a platform for developing innovation and exchanging ideas.
North Sumatra Holds Strong Potential for International Cooperation
Surya emphasized that North Sumatra has numerous potentials that can be further developed together with international partners, including the French Republic.
As one of the strategically important provinces in western Indonesia, North Sumatra plays a significant role as a gateway for trade and economic activities. The region also possesses abundant natural resources, productive human resources, and significant tourism potential.
One of North Sumatra's key assets is the Lake Toba area, which has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark Lake Toba. The region represents a major attraction that can be further developed through international cooperation in tourism, environmental protection, and the creative economy.
For this reason, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is opening wider opportunities for cooperation with France, particularly in investment, vocational education, infrastructure development, environmentally friendly technology, research, and cultural exchange.
"We believe France has experience and strengths in various fields that can serve as inspiration as well as a strategic partner for North Sumatra," Surya said.
Surya explained that France's experience and progress in various sectors could serve as a reference for North Sumatra in improving regional competitiveness. Existing cooperation is also expected to create concrete benefits for the community.
OPENING COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES WITH FRANCE: North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya explains that the provincial government continues to open cooperation opportunities with France to develop innovation, investment, and human resource quality. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
Human Resource Development Remains a Priority
Through the "Kolaborasi Sumut Berkah" initiative, the North Sumatra Provincial Government continues to build inclusive and mutually beneficial partnerships with various countries, including France.
In addition to strengthening economic cooperation and investment, the provincial government places particular emphasis on improving the quality of human resources, especially among the younger generation.
Surya expressed hope that more people from North Sumatra, particularly students and young learners, will have opportunities in the future to participate in educational programs, cultural exchanges, and international networks with various institutions in France.
"Ultimately, the best investment we can make is an investment in people," he said.
Concluding his speech, Surya expressed hope that the Bastille Day reception would not only serve as an occasion to maintain friendship but also become a catalyst for the creation of concrete ideas and cooperation between France, Indonesia, and North Sumatra.
He expressed optimism that strengthening these relations would contribute positively to development, peace, and improving the prosperity of communities in both countries. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala