MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – The Mayor of Medan, Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas, received the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier, at the official residence of the mayor on Jalan Sudirman on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding investment opportunities, and enhancing cooperation in the education sector between Australia and the City of Medan.
Mayor
Rico Waas emphasized
Medan's strategic role as an economic hub in western Indonesia. The city benefits from its industrial zone in the northern area and its proximity to key regional markets such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
"Medan has a strategic position and is open to investment. We aim to build strong city-to-state relations that bring mutual benefits," he said.
Read Also: North Sumatra DPRD Adopts 2025 LKPj Recommendations He also noted that
Medan's economic growth continues to show positive performance, exceeding the national average. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), along with the growing entrepreneurial spirit among young people, are key drivers of this development.
Improving Investment Climate and Infrastructure Development
The
Medan municipal government continues to prioritize efforts to improve the investment climate by simplifying administrative procedures and permitting processes for investors.
"We support investors in obtaining permits and aim to avoid unnecessary barriers. What matters most is ensuring that investments benefit the people and support economic growth," Rico stated.
Read Also: Airin Praises MPK Sumut–Aceh Art Competition for Children's Creativity Development For 2026, the city government is focusing on strengthening the local economy and expanding infrastructure development. Priority programs include revitalizing traditional markets, improving public transportation systems, and enhancing waste management to create a more attractive investment environment.
Education as a Key Pillar of Cooperation
Beyond economic collaboration, Mayor Rico also highlighted the importance of education and human resource development as key pillars of cooperation between
Medan and Australia.
Australian Ambassador Rod Brazier stated that relations between Australia and Indonesia continue to grow, particularly in the education sector. He noted the increasing interest among Indonesian students, including those from Medan, in pursuing higher education in Australia.
Read Also: North Sumatra Accelerates Waste-to-Energy Project with Danantara MoU "The children from
Medan have great potential and adapt well wherever they study," Brazier said.
Currently, around 25,000 Indonesian students are studying in Australia, while more than 200,000 alumni have been educated across various countries. Australia is also regarded as a safe and trusted study destination for parents sending their children abroad. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala Read Also: Four Killed in Halmahera Bus Crash on Serdang Bedagai Toll Road