Consulate General of India in Medan Organise Tourism Promotion Event Between Sumatra and India on 10 Agustus 2026
Admin 2 - atnews
Medan (Atnews) - Consulate General of India in Medan organised a programme on promoting tourism and strengthening India–Indonesia cooperation on 10 August 2026 at Grand Mercure Hotel Medan, bringing together representatives from the tourism, hospitality, aviation, business and related sectors from both countries.
The event provided a platform for distinguished speakers and stakeholders to exchange views on enhancing tourism linkages, connectivity, investment and people-to-people ties between India and Sumatra Island.
The programme featured opening addresses by H.E. Ravi Shankar Goel, Consul General of India in Medan; Hari Kashore, Joint Secretary, Ministry of tourism; H.E. Edy Wardoyo, Consul General of Indonesia in Mumbai; and H.E. Yudho Sasongko, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Indonesia in New Delhi
The keynote address, titled “India & North Sumatra: Unlocking the Next Era of Tourism Partnership,” was delivered by Dedi Ahmad Kurnia, Assistant Deputy, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia.
Discussions throughout the programme highlighted the longstanding historical links between the two countries and the growing potential for collaboration in tourism, connectivity, business, the creative economy and sustainable development between Sumatra Island and India. The programme also featured a Destination Showcase, presenting tourism opportunities in both India and North Sumatra.
India Tourist destination were presented by Sumit Mathur, CEO WoW Travels India, followed by a showcase of North Sumatra Tourism by Detty Silaban, Acting Director of Tourism Industry and Tourism Institutional Development, Badan Pelaksana Otorita Danau Toba (BPODT).
The session concluded with a Q&A session, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange views and gain further information on tourism destinations and opportunities in both regions.
The programme featured three sessions covering aviation and connectivity, tourism business cooperation and special-interest tourism.
The first session, “Aviation & Connectivity,” was moderated by Corry Novrica AP Sinaga, S.Sos., MA., PhD Cand and focused on airport and tourism connectivity and ways to improve connectivity between India and Sumatra.
The panel featured Darius Tirto Suharto, PhD, Deputy Director of Bank of Indonesia Representative Office for North Sumatera; Kedar Deshpande, Commercial Director, KNO Airport; Rachmad Suwardi, S.Tr. PAR, M.Tr, IHGMA Hotel representative; and Junaidi, S.E., Kepala Bidang Promosi DPMPTSP Aceh.
The second session, “Tourism Business Forum,” was also moderated by Corry Novrica AP Sinaga, S.Sos., MA., PhD Cand and focused on opportunities, challenges and future collaboration in tourism.
The panel featured Ankit Kumar, Director, Magadh, and Neeraj Dev, Thomas Cook India Group, who participated online.
The third session, “Special Interest Forums,” covered Medical Tourism, etc., with Ms. Ribkah Darmawanti, Apollo Hospital representative, participating in the session.
Discussions underscored that, for centuries, the seas connected the civilisations of India and Indonesia through trade, culture and the exchange of ideas.
Today, those same historical links continue to provide opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth, complemented by strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.
Participants also highlighted the expanding economic relationship between the two countries, noting that Indonesia's exports to India reached approximately US$18 billion in 2025 and bilateral trade amounting to US$25 billion, reflecting the increasing depth of bilateral trade and the potential for further cooperation across tourism, commerce and the creative industries.
The event also emphasised the important role of the creative economy in strengthening bilateral ties. Indonesia's rich cultural diversity has produced internationally recognised fashion, cuisine, music, handicrafts, films and digital content, while India's creative industries have achieved global success through cinema, design, technology and innovation.
Participants explored opportunities for collaboration through cultural festivals, creative exchanges, tourism promotion initiatives and joint projects that would further enhance people-to-people contact.
Discussions also highlighted the potential for collaboration between India's film and entertainment industry and Indonesia's growing creative sector through co-productions, talent exchanges and creative partnerships.
Such cooperation could create new opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism promotion and economic growth, while further strengthening the people-to-people connection between India and Sumatra.
Particular emphasis was placed on promoting destinations beyond Bali. While Bali continues to be a preferred destination for Indian travellers, participants highlighted the immense tourism potential of Sumatra Island, especially Lake Toba, which Consul General Ravi Shankar Goel described as the “Switzerland of North Sumatra”, as well as Berastagi in Karo Regency and many other destinations across Sumatra Island.
With its rich cultural heritage, diverse natural attractions and unique ecotourism experiences, Sumatra offers significant opportunities for attracting more Indian tourists.
Expanding tourism to these destinations would create greater opportunities for local communities, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), creative businesses and tourism workers.
Strengthening tourism flows between India and Sumatra could also contribute to local economic development while encouraging greater awareness and appreciation of the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
Similarly, Consul General Ravi Shankar Goel invited Indonesian visitors to explore the diverse destinations of India, including the snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas, particularly Jammu & Kashmir; the deserts 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; wildlife sanctuaries for ecotourism; and the palaces and cultural heritage of Rajasthan, among the many destinations across India.
Consul General Ravi Shankar Goel further informed that tourist visas to India are available online free of charge for Indonesian visitors, making travel to India more accessible and encouraging greater tourist exchanges between the two countries.
The speakers also highlighted India's position as a strong destination for higher education and medical treatment.
A special-interest forum on medical tourism was held during the programme, with participation from a representative of Apollo Hospitals, highlighting opportunities for Indonesian visitors to access India's established medical and healthcare facilities.
Connectivity between Sumatra Island and India was also discussed. Participants noted that Sumatra is connected to India through major regional aviation hubs including Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with multiple daily flight options.
Strengthening direct and indirect air connectivity, improving travel facilitation and increasing cooperation between airlines, airports and tourism operators were identified as important factors in expanding tourist flows between the two regions.
The programme further highlighted the long historical and cultural connections between Sumatra Island and India. Sumatra, which was known as “Swarna Dwipa” in India, has historically been connected with the wider Indian Ocean world through trade, culture, religion and the movement of people and ideas.
These longstanding connections provide a strong foundation for developing new tourism partnerships and expanding contemporary people-to-people exchanges.
The programme attracted wide participation from Indonesia's tourism and hospitality sector, including representatives of PHRI, ASPPI, ASITA, Indian tour operators, hotel and hospitality associations, airlines and other tourism stakeholders.
The programme also featured Indian and Indonesian cultural performances, including Indian dance performances, as well as dance performances from Karo Regency, Samosir Regency and Polyteknik Pariwisata
The B2B meetings provided an opportunity for tourism stakeholders from India and Indonesia to establish contacts, exchange information and explore potential partnerships relating to tourism packages, destination promotion, connectivity and other areas of mutual interest.
Through initiatives such as this event, Consulate General of India in Medan continues to strengthen India–Indonesia relations by promoting tourism, expanding business opportunities and fostering closer people-to-people ties between India and Sumatra.
The programme reaffirmed the shared potential of India and Sumatra to build stronger tourism linkages based on their longstanding historical connections, cultural affinities and growing economic cooperation (Z/002)
The event provided a platform for distinguished speakers and stakeholders to exchange views on enhancing tourism linkages, connectivity, investment and people-to-people ties between India and Sumatra Island.
The programme featured opening addresses by H.E. Ravi Shankar Goel, Consul General of India in Medan; Hari Kashore, Joint Secretary, Ministry of tourism; H.E. Edy Wardoyo, Consul General of Indonesia in Mumbai; and H.E. Yudho Sasongko, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Indonesia in New Delhi
The keynote address, titled “India & North Sumatra: Unlocking the Next Era of Tourism Partnership,” was delivered by Dedi Ahmad Kurnia, Assistant Deputy, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia.
Discussions throughout the programme highlighted the longstanding historical links between the two countries and the growing potential for collaboration in tourism, connectivity, business, the creative economy and sustainable development between Sumatra Island and India. The programme also featured a Destination Showcase, presenting tourism opportunities in both India and North Sumatra.
India Tourist destination were presented by Sumit Mathur, CEO WoW Travels India, followed by a showcase of North Sumatra Tourism by Detty Silaban, Acting Director of Tourism Industry and Tourism Institutional Development, Badan Pelaksana Otorita Danau Toba (BPODT).
The session concluded with a Q&A session, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange views and gain further information on tourism destinations and opportunities in both regions.
The programme featured three sessions covering aviation and connectivity, tourism business cooperation and special-interest tourism.
The first session, “Aviation & Connectivity,” was moderated by Corry Novrica AP Sinaga, S.Sos., MA., PhD Cand and focused on airport and tourism connectivity and ways to improve connectivity between India and Sumatra.
The panel featured Darius Tirto Suharto, PhD, Deputy Director of Bank of Indonesia Representative Office for North Sumatera; Kedar Deshpande, Commercial Director, KNO Airport; Rachmad Suwardi, S.Tr. PAR, M.Tr, IHGMA Hotel representative; and Junaidi, S.E., Kepala Bidang Promosi DPMPTSP Aceh.
The second session, “Tourism Business Forum,” was also moderated by Corry Novrica AP Sinaga, S.Sos., MA., PhD Cand and focused on opportunities, challenges and future collaboration in tourism.
The panel featured Ankit Kumar, Director, Magadh, and Neeraj Dev, Thomas Cook India Group, who participated online.
The third session, “Special Interest Forums,” covered Medical Tourism, etc., with Ms. Ribkah Darmawanti, Apollo Hospital representative, participating in the session.
Discussions underscored that, for centuries, the seas connected the civilisations of India and Indonesia through trade, culture and the exchange of ideas.
Today, those same historical links continue to provide opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth, complemented by strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.
Participants also highlighted the expanding economic relationship between the two countries, noting that Indonesia's exports to India reached approximately US$18 billion in 2025 and bilateral trade amounting to US$25 billion, reflecting the increasing depth of bilateral trade and the potential for further cooperation across tourism, commerce and the creative industries.
The event also emphasised the important role of the creative economy in strengthening bilateral ties. Indonesia's rich cultural diversity has produced internationally recognised fashion, cuisine, music, handicrafts, films and digital content, while India's creative industries have achieved global success through cinema, design, technology and innovation.
Participants explored opportunities for collaboration through cultural festivals, creative exchanges, tourism promotion initiatives and joint projects that would further enhance people-to-people contact.
Discussions also highlighted the potential for collaboration between India's film and entertainment industry and Indonesia's growing creative sector through co-productions, talent exchanges and creative partnerships.
Such cooperation could create new opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism promotion and economic growth, while further strengthening the people-to-people connection between India and Sumatra.
Particular emphasis was placed on promoting destinations beyond Bali. While Bali continues to be a preferred destination for Indian travellers, participants highlighted the immense tourism potential of Sumatra Island, especially Lake Toba, which Consul General Ravi Shankar Goel described as the “Switzerland of North Sumatra”, as well as Berastagi in Karo Regency and many other destinations across Sumatra Island.
With its rich cultural heritage, diverse natural attractions and unique ecotourism experiences, Sumatra offers significant opportunities for attracting more Indian tourists.
Expanding tourism to these destinations would create greater opportunities for local communities, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), creative businesses and tourism workers.
Strengthening tourism flows between India and Sumatra could also contribute to local economic development while encouraging greater awareness and appreciation of the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
Similarly, Consul General Ravi Shankar Goel invited Indonesian visitors to explore the diverse destinations of India, including the snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas, particularly Jammu & Kashmir; the deserts 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; wildlife sanctuaries for ecotourism; and the palaces and cultural heritage of Rajasthan, among the many destinations across India.
Consul General Ravi Shankar Goel further informed that tourist visas to India are available online free of charge for Indonesian visitors, making travel to India more accessible and encouraging greater tourist exchanges between the two countries.
The speakers also highlighted India's position as a strong destination for higher education and medical treatment.
A special-interest forum on medical tourism was held during the programme, with participation from a representative of Apollo Hospitals, highlighting opportunities for Indonesian visitors to access India's established medical and healthcare facilities.
Connectivity between Sumatra Island and India was also discussed. Participants noted that Sumatra is connected to India through major regional aviation hubs including Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with multiple daily flight options.
Strengthening direct and indirect air connectivity, improving travel facilitation and increasing cooperation between airlines, airports and tourism operators were identified as important factors in expanding tourist flows between the two regions.
The programme further highlighted the long historical and cultural connections between Sumatra Island and India. Sumatra, which was known as “Swarna Dwipa” in India, has historically been connected with the wider Indian Ocean world through trade, culture, religion and the movement of people and ideas.
These longstanding connections provide a strong foundation for developing new tourism partnerships and expanding contemporary people-to-people exchanges.
The programme attracted wide participation from Indonesia's tourism and hospitality sector, including representatives of PHRI, ASPPI, ASITA, Indian tour operators, hotel and hospitality associations, airlines and other tourism stakeholders.
The programme also featured Indian and Indonesian cultural performances, including Indian dance performances, as well as dance performances from Karo Regency, Samosir Regency and Polyteknik Pariwisata
The B2B meetings provided an opportunity for tourism stakeholders from India and Indonesia to establish contacts, exchange information and explore potential partnerships relating to tourism packages, destination promotion, connectivity and other areas of mutual interest.
Through initiatives such as this event, Consulate General of India in Medan continues to strengthen India–Indonesia relations by promoting tourism, expanding business opportunities and fostering closer people-to-people ties between India and Sumatra.
The programme reaffirmed the shared potential of India and Sumatra to build stronger tourism linkages based on their longstanding historical connections, cultural affinities and growing economic cooperation (Z/002)
Baca Artikel Menarik Lainnya : Mendesak Pembangunan Jembatan di Bhuana Giri Karangasem
