MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Government of North Sumatra is strengthening its strategic partnership with the Government of the United States to open new investment and trade opportunities. Beyond the economic sector, the cooperation between the two sides is also being directed toward various areas that can support regional development and improve public welfare.
North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya made the statement during a visit by US Consul for Sumatra
Lisa Podolny, Head of the Political Section at the US Embassy in Jakarta David Muehlke, and Head of the Military Group at the US Embassy in Jakarta Lieutenant Colonel Romelo Delos Santos.
The meeting took place on Monday, September 21, 2026, in the reception area on the ninth floor of the North Sumatra Governor's Office at 30 Jalan Pangeran Diponegoro, Medan. The discussion provided an opportunity for both sides to explore ways to deepen relations and identify new areas of cooperation in North Sumatra.
Surya said
North Sumatra holds a strategic position as one of the economic gateways to western Indonesia. The province has direct access to the Strait of Malacca and the Indian Ocean. This geographical position provides advantages for developing trade, investment, and cooperation in maritime security.
"We hope that this visit can help strengthen the strategic partnership, open new investment and trade opportunities, and further deepen relations between the Government of North Sumatra and the Government of the United States," Surya said.
North Sumatra Highlights Investment Potential
Surya explained that the Government of North Sumatra has identified several areas as potential priorities for further developing its partnership with the United States. These include trade and investment, business partnerships, higher education, human resource development, disaster relief and preparedness, as well as strengthening people-to-people relations.
During the meeting, Surya also presented several investment opportunities in
North Sumatra to
Lisa Podolny. Among the areas highlighted were the
Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone and the Medan Industrial Area.
According to Surya, these industrial areas can support the inflow of new investment because they are equipped with facilities that support industrial activities and transportation links to major trade centers.
The
Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone, for example, is connected to Kuala Tanjung Port. The area is also supported by a highway network linking the industrial zone with several other ports.
In addition to its industrial areas, North Sumatra has a wide range of agricultural commodities that can support international trade. Palm oil, coffee, and benzoin resin are among the province's key agricultural commodities, with their development continuing to be promoted.
Surya believes that geographical conditions, natural resources, infrastructure, and the development of industrial areas can serve as important foundations for expanding economic cooperation between
North Sumatra and the
United States.
"The Government of North Sumatra is committed to being an open and responsive partner and to strengthening international cooperation that creates added value for regional development and public welfare," he said.
INVESTMENT POTENTIAL PRESENTED:
North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya presents the province's investment potential, including the
Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone and the Medan Industrial Area. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
Educational Cooperation Continues to Expand
US Consul for Sumatra
Lisa Podolny thanked the Government of
North Sumatra for receiving her delegation. She said that since beginning her tenure in July 2025, she had examined various development priorities in
North Sumatra while exploring opportunities for cooperation in several areas.
Lisa said the United States had already established partnerships with North Sumatra in various sectors. Education has been among the areas receiving particular attention, including programs for universities, students, and school pupils.
One of these partnerships is being implemented through EducationUSA at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara. The program provides free counseling services for students who wish to continue their education in the
United States.
Another educational partnership is being carried out with Universitas Negeri Medan through the English Language Fellow program. The program provides professional development for teachers and introduces new strategies for English-language instruction.
"There is also an existing partnership with Universitas Sumatera Utara, including through ACCESS micro-scholarships. This program gives high school students an opportunity to improve their English-language skills," Lisa explained.
These programs demonstrate that further opportunities remain available for cooperation in human resource development. Improving language skills, expanding access to educational information, and strengthening teachers' competencies are among the areas that can provide long-term benefits for the younger generation in North Sumatra.
Lisa also explained that the existing cooperation could serve as a foundation for developing new partnerships. Beyond education, the two sides could explore other sectors that correspond to
North Sumatra's development needs and shared interests.
COOPERATION DEVELOPMENT EXPLAINED: US Consul for Sumatra Lisa Podolny explains the development of cooperation between the United States and North Sumatra, including in education and human resource development. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
Pacific Partnership Supports Disaster Preparedness
In addition to education, the governments of the United States and North Sumatra have also cooperated in humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness. One example is the Pacific Partnership, in which the US Navy works with partners across the Indo-Pacific region.
The program is an annual multinational mission focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness. During its deployment in
North Sumatra, the Pacific Partnership made stops in Sibolga and Central Tapanuli to carry out various humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness activities.
"Recently, there was also cooperation through the Pacific Partnership. It is the US Navy's largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific, and it made stops in Sibolga and Central Tapanuli," she explained.
The cooperation demonstrates that relations between
North Sumatra and the
United States are not limited to trade and investment. The partnership also covers education, human resource development, humanitarian assistance, and disaster preparedness.
Lisa Podolny said the various forms of cooperation reflected the commitment of the governments of the United States and Indonesia, particularly with North Sumatra, to maintaining their well-established relations.
She also expressed her appreciation for the support and cooperation she had received during her tenure as US Consul for Sumatra.
The visit also marked the conclusion of Lisa Podolny's tenure as US Consul for Sumatra. The meeting with the Government of North Sumatra provided an opportunity for her to express her appreciation while emphasizing the importance of continuing the relations and cooperation that have been established between the two sides. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala