Tuesday, 08 September 2026
DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The Deli Serdang Regency Government is exploring opportunities for cooperation with the Republic of Korea. Various potential areas of collaboration were discussed during a meeting with the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Korea for the Sumatra region and a delegation from Gyeongkuk National University (GKNU) at the Deli Serdang Regent's Office on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The meeting discussed several strategic areas for potential cooperation, including education, health and agriculture, as well as the initiation of a so-called Sister City partnership between Deli Serdang and the city of Andong in the Republic of Korea. The meeting also marked an initial step toward establishing a partnership that could contribute to human resource development and the advancement of the region's potential.Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan welcomed the visit by the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Korea for the Sumatra region and the GKNU delegation. He expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in Deli Serdang as a potential partner for international cooperation.
"Thank you for choosing Deli Serdang. Our regency in North Sumatra has tremendous potential in terms of both human and natural resources, and it is also supported by the presence of an international airport. We sincerely hope that GKNU experts and professors can share their knowledge and experience here in the field of modern agricultural management," he said.According to Asri Ludin, cooperation with educational institutions and partners from South Korea could help Deli Serdang strengthen its human resource capacity while further developing various areas of potential. He placed particular emphasis on the transfer of knowledge and modern agricultural technology that could be adapted to the region's conditions and needs.
Agricultural potential was among the central topics discussed at the meeting. Deli Serdang has natural resources that can be further developed through the application of technology and innovation. The regional government therefore views the involvement of GKNU academics and experts as an opportunity to broaden professional expertise and improve the quality of agricultural sector management.
The planned cooperation is not intended to focus solely on knowledge exchange, but also to create opportunities for human resource development within the academic environment. GKNU's involvement is expected to help connect the region's development needs with the expertise of South Korean scientists and academics.In addition to agriculture, the two sides also discussed potential cooperation in education, health and the humanities. These fields offer various opportunities for collaboration, including knowledge exchange, capacity building, and programs involving students and academic staff.
Asri Ludin also stated that the regional government was ready to pursue discussions on a Sister City partnership with Andong. The Deli Serdang Government views such a regional partnership as an opportunity to expand cooperation beyond government affairs into education, the economy, culture and social development.The initial meeting between the Deli Serdang Government, the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Korea for the Sumatra region and GKNU is expected to lay the foundation for a sustainable partnership. The results of the meeting can be further developed through technical discussions and subsequent meetings to determine concrete forms of cooperation.
According to Parlindungan, relations between Indonesia and South Korea can develop not only through cooperation at the central government level. Regions also play an important role in building broader relations, including through information exchanges and activities in the economic, educational and cultural sectors.
"As Honorary Consul, my task is to support and encourage our regions to continue developing. Deli Serdang is one of the regions that we have specifically recommended to GKNU for development programs, both in agriculture and education," Parlindungan Purba said.He considers Deli Serdang a region with favorable conditions for implementing various development programs. Its extensive human and natural resources, combined with transportation access through an international airport, are important foundations for establishing cooperation with international partners.
The cooperation is expected to benefit both sides. Deli Serdang could gain access to knowledge and experience from South Korea, while educational institutions and South Korean partners would have the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the region's potential and development needs.
GKNU Dean for Student Admissions and Cooperation Kim Byung Kyu presented several programs that could be developed jointly with Deli Serdang. He explained that GKNU has programs in agriculture and the humanities, while also providing opportunities for student exchanges.
One form of cooperation offered is an internship program for GKNU students in Deli Serdang. Such a program could provide South Korean students with practical experience in the field while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange with local communities and educational institutions."GKNU offers opportunities for student exchanges through internship programs in Deli Serdang. The credits earned through the program can be adjusted to the corresponding academic credits or Semester Credit Units (SKS) of students' studies in South Korea," he said.
The program could provide a concrete form of educational cooperation. Students would be able to gain academic and practical experience in a different environment, while Deli Serdang would have the opportunity to engage directly with students and academics from South Korea.Kim Byung Kyu also provided information about Andong, with which Deli Serdang is seeking to establish a Sister City partnership. He explained that Andong is the birthplace of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who is committed to the city's development.
"We have already learned about Deli Serdang. Hopefully, we can hold another meeting in the future as a follow-up to today's discussion," he said in closing.The meeting represents an important first step for the Deli Serdang Government in exploring broader international cooperation. The regional government, GKNU and other participating partners can now discuss specific programs, cooperation mechanisms and priority areas that could be implemented as soon as possible.
With a wide range of potential cooperation in education, health, agriculture, the humanities, the economy and culture, the relationship between Deli Serdang and its South Korean partners is expected to develop into a partnership that delivers tangible benefits to the community. The proposed Sister City partnership with Andong also offers an opportunity to strengthen relations between the regions while opening new avenues for developing Deli Serdang's potential. (IDNC)REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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