MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – North Sumatra Governor, Bobby Nasution, received the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier, on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) at the Governor's Office on Jalan Diponegoro, Medan. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between North Sumatra and Australia across a range of strategic sectors.
"We hope cooperation between North Sumatra and Australia can be further expanded into various fields," Bobby Nasution stated.
North Sumatra Showcases Economic Potential
Read Also: Airin Praises MPK Sumut–Aceh Art Competition for Children's Creativity Development During the meeting, Bobby highlighted the province's steady economic performance. North Sumatra recorded 4.53 percent economic growth in 2025, reflecting continued stability and development momentum.
He emphasized the region's strong potential in agriculture and plantation industries, particularly palm oil, which offers significant opportunities for expanded collaboration with Australia. North Sumatra's strategic position as a gateway to western Indonesia also strengthens its appeal for trade and investment.
NORTH SUMATRA ECONOMIC POTENTIAL: Governor Bobby Nasution presents the province's economic opportunities, including the plantation sector and the planned food storage facility in the Nias Islands. (PHOTO: Documentation of the North Sumatra Communication and Information Office)
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Another key discussion point was the development of a logistics and food storage facility in the Nias Islands. The project aims to reinforce regional food security and ensure faster emergency response during natural disasters.
"We are building a food storage facility there based on lessons learned from past disasters when the region was temporarily isolated," Bobby explained.
AUSTRALIAN CONDOLENCES: Ambassador Rod Brazier conveys condolences from the Australian people following the flood disaster in North Sumatra. (PHOTO: Documentation of the North Sumatra Communication and Information Office)
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Ambassador Rod Brazier also inquired about post-disaster recovery efforts following the floods that hit North Sumatra late last year. The provincial government, in coordination with the central government, has been actively accelerating rehabilitation and reconstruction programs.
Brazier described North Sumatra as one of Indonesia's most important provinces, which motivated his official visit. He also conveyed condolences on behalf of the Australian people.
Read Also: North Sumatra Accelerates Waste-to-Energy Project with Danantara MoU "I would like to express the sympathy of the Australian people for the floods last year. We hope North Sumatra has made a full recovery," Brazier said.
The meeting was also attended by senior provincial officials, including Basarin Yunus Tanjung (Assistant for Government and Welfare), Erwin Hotmansah Harahap (Head of Communication and Information Agency), Dedi Jaminsyah Putra (Head of Industry and Trade Office), and Alexander Sinulingga (Head of Education Office). (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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