MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Consulate General of India in Medan has strengthened tourism ties between India and Indonesia through a promotion and cooperation program that brought together stakeholders from both countries. Held on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Grand Mercure Hotel Medan, the event brought together representatives from tourism, hospitality, aviation, business, the creative economy and other relevant sectors from India and Indonesia.
The program provided speakers and industry representatives with a platform to discuss opportunities to deepen
tourism relations, improve connectivity, promote investment, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges between
India and the island of
Sumatra. The meeting also opened new opportunities for cooperation aimed at increasing tourist flows, strengthening destination marketing and promoting economic growth in both regions.
Among the high-ranking guests and opening speakers were H.E. Ravi Shankar Goel, Consul General of India in Medan; Hari Kashore, Joint Secretary at India's Ministry of Tourism; H.E. Edy Wardoyo, Consul General of Indonesia in Mumbai; and H.E. Yudho Sasongko, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in New Delhi.
Mr. Dedi Ahmad Kurnia, Assistant Deputy at the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, subsequently delivered the keynote address titled "
India & North
Sumatra: Unlocking the Next Era of Tourism Partnership."
Sumatra Emerges as an Alternative Destination for Indian TouristsThe discussions highlighted the longstanding historical ties between India and Indonesia, which have developed over centuries through trade, culture, religion, and the exchange of ideas. Participants viewed these connections as an important foundation for new cooperation in tourism, connectivity, business, the creative economy and sustainable development between India and Sumatra.
A key part of the program was the Destination Showcase, which highlighted the
tourism potential of
India and North
Sumatra. Mr. Sumit Mathur, CEO of WoW Travels
India, presented a range of destinations across
India. Mrs. Detty Silaban, Acting Director of Tourism Industry and Tourism Institutional Development at the Badan Pelaksana Otorita Danau Toba (BPODT), then presented North
Sumatra's
tourism potential.
The presentations were followed by a question-and-answer session, giving participants information on destinations, investment opportunities and the potential development of joint travel packages for both regions.
Particular attention was given to promoting destinations beyond Bali to
Indian tourists. Bali remains one of the leading destinations for
Indian visitors to Indonesia. However,
Sumatra has significant potential to establish itself as an attractive alternative.
Lake Toba was among the destinations receiving particular attention. India's Consul General in Medan, Ravi Shankar Goel, described Lake Toba as the "Switzerland of North Sumatra." In addition to Lake Toba, Berastagi in Karo Regency and numerous other destinations across Sumatra offer strong appeal through their cultural diversity, natural landscapes and ecotourism opportunities.
Expanding tourist flows to these destinations could have a direct impact on local communities. Rising visitor numbers could create new markets for micro, small and medium enterprises, creative economy players, hotels,
tourism workers and other businesses.
An increase in Indian tourists visiting Sumatra could also encourage local communities to become more familiar with and appreciative of the region's cultural heritage and natural wealth. At the same time, tourism development can create new sources of economic growth at the local level.
Connectivity Key to Further Growth
The program featured three main sessions: Aviation & Connectivity, Tourism Business Forum, and Special Interest Forums. The discussions focused on air connectivity, tourism business cooperation and the development of special-interest tourism.
The Aviation & Connectivity session, moderated by Mrs. Corry Novrica AP Sinaga, S.Sos., MA., PhD Cand., focused on strengthening air links between
India and
Sumatra. The panel included Mr. Darius Tirto Suharto, PhD, Deputy Director of Bank Indonesia's North
Sumatra Representative Office; Mr. Kedar Deshpande, Commercial Director of KNO Airport; Mr. Rachmad Suwardi, S.Tr. PAR, M.Tr, representing the IHGMA hotel sector; and Mr. Junaidi, S.E., Head of Promotion at DPMPTSP Aceh.
Participants discussed airport connectivity, destination accessibility and strategies to increase tourist mobility between India and Sumatra. At present, travelers from Sumatra can reach India through several regional aviation hubs, particularly Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, where various flight connections are available daily.
Stakeholders assessed stronger air connectivity, through both direct and indirect routes, as an important factor in increasing tourist flows. Cooperation among airlines, airport operators, tour operators and other
tourism industry stakeholders also needs to be further strengthened to make travel between the two regions easier and more efficient.
The Tourism Business Forum, also moderated by Mrs. Corry Novrica AP Sinaga, S.Sos., MA., PhD Cand., explored opportunities and challenges for future tourism cooperation. The discussion included Mr. Ankit Kumar, Director of Magadh, and Mr. Neeraj Dev of the Thomas Cook India Group, who participated online.
The Special Interest Forums also examined the potential of medical
tourism. Ms. Ribkah Darmawanti participated as a representative of Apollo Hospital and outlined prospects for
Indian healthcare services for the Indonesian population.
In addition to medical tourism, speakers highlighted India's importance as a destination for higher education and healthcare services. Consul General Ravi Shankar Goel said tourist visas to India can be applied for online and free of charge by Indonesian visitors. Such facilitation could help increase interest among Indonesians in traveling to various destinations across India.
On the occasion, Goel also invited Indonesian tourists to explore
India's diverse destinations. These include the snow-covered Himalayan mountains, particularly Jammu and Kashmir; the desert landscapes of Rajasthan; Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh; the Golden Triangle of Delhi–Jaipur–Agra, including the Taj Mahal; the beaches of Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala; Bollywood in Mumbai; historical sites in Delhi; nature reserves for ecotourism; as well as the palaces and cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
Creative Economy Strengthens Bilateral Relations
In addition to
tourism and connectivity, the program also examined opportunities for cooperation in the creative economy between
India and Indonesia. Participants viewed Indonesia's cultural diversity as a strength that has generated a wide range of creative products, including fashion, culinary products, music, handicrafts, film and digital content that have gained international recognition.
India also has a dynamic creative industry spanning areas such as film, design, technology and innovation. This creates opportunities for cooperation through cultural festivals, creative exchanges, joint marketing and cross-border projects.
There are also opportunities for cooperation between
India's film and entertainment industry and Indonesia's creative sector. Joint productions, talent exchanges and creative partnerships could create new avenues for cultural exchange while simultaneously expanding the promotion of
tourism destinations.
Economic relations between the two countries were also an important part of the discussions. Participants noted that Indonesian exports to India amounted to approximately US$18 billion in 2025, while bilateral trade reached US$25 billion. These figures underscore the growing strength of trade relations between the two countries while also opening further opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade and the creative economy.
The program also revisited the history of relations between
India and
Sumatra. In historical
Indian records,
Sumatra was known as "Swarna Dwipa" and was connected to the
Indian Ocean world through trade, culture, religion, as well as the movement of people and ideas.
This historical heritage provides an important foundation for developing the tourism partnership today. Historical and cultural connections can be leveraged as an asset to expand people-to-people exchanges while creating new economic opportunities.
The event received broad support and participation from stakeholders in Indonesia's
tourism and hospitality industries. Representatives of PHRI, ASPPI, ASITA,
Indian tour operators, hotel and hospitality associations, airlines and various other
tourism sector stakeholders attended the program.
Cultural connections between India and Indonesia were also showcased through artistic performances. Organizers presented Indian dances as well as traditional arts from Karo and Samosir regencies and from the Tourism Polytechnic.
The business-to-business, or B2B, meeting also provided
tourism stakeholders from
India and Indonesia with an opportunity to build networks, exchange information and explore potential areas of cooperation. Discussions covered travel packages, destination marketing, connectivity and other areas of mutual interest.
Through the program, the Consulate General of India in Medan continues its efforts to strengthen relations between India and Indonesia through tourism, business, the creative economy and people-to-people exchanges. The meeting also underscored the opportunities for India and Sumatra to build a stronger tourism partnership based on their historical ties, cultural affinity, tourism potential and growing economic cooperation.
With improved connectivity, more intensive destination marketing, easier travel arrangements and closer cooperation among industry stakeholders,
Sumatra is well positioned to play a greater role in attracting
Indian tourists in the future. Conversely, Indonesians are gaining increasing opportunities to discover
India's natural and cultural wealth, as well as its offerings in education, healthcare and diverse
tourism experiences.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
TOURISM COOPERATION EXPLORED: The Consulate General of
India in
Medan brought together representatives from
tourism, hospitality, aviation, business and other relevant sectors from
India and Indonesia as part of a program to strengthen the
tourism partnership at the Grand Mercure Hotel
Medan on Monday, August 10, 2026. (PHOTO: Doc. Consulate General of
India in
Medan)
IDNC PHOTO Lake Tobas Tourism Potential
LAKE TOBA'S TOURISM POTENTIAL: India's Consul General in Medan, Ravi Shankar Goel, highlights the potential of Lake Toba and various destinations across Sumatra as alternative destinations for Indian tourists. (PHOTO: Doc. Consulate General of India in Medan)
IDNC PHOTO Strengthening Air Connectivity In Focus
STRENGTHENING AIR CONNECTIVITY IN FOCUS: Stakeholders from
India and Indonesia discuss improving air connectivity,
tourism business cooperation, the creative economy and the potential of medical
tourism during the program in
Medan. (PHOTO: Doc. Consulate General of
India in
Medan)