Maluku explores education, tourism cooperation with France

Ambon (ANTARA) - Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa and French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone discussed strengthening cooperation in human resource development and tourism during a meeting in Ambon on Monday.

"We discussed opportunities for broader cooperation, particularly in human resource development through education and vocational education, as well as efforts to promote Maluku's tourism sector, which has enormous potential for further development," Lewerissa said.

He noted that the good relations between Maluku and France could help improve the quality of local human resources while introducing the province's leading tourist destinations to a wider international audience.

According to the governor, education was one of the key topics discussed during the meeting, including opportunities to develop vocational education programs tailored to regional development needs.

The provincial government is also encouraging cooperation that could provide local youths with greater access to education, training, and capacity-building programs.

In the tourism sector, Lewerissa said Maluku has a variety of destinations capable of attracting international visitors, including the Banda Islands, which have strong historical links to relations between Indonesia and Europe.

"We hope tourism promotion for Maluku can be strengthened through cooperation with France so that the region's potential becomes better known internationally," he said.

The meeting also discussed plans for a French cruise ship to visit Ambon and the Banda Islands next year, which is expected to help boost tourism and support the local economy.

Ambassador Penone was accompanied by French Embassy Cooperation Counselor Jules Irrmann and Political Counselor Martin Albert.

Lewerissa said the Maluku provincial government remains open to expanding cooperation with international partners to support sustainable regional development, particularly in human resource development and tourism.

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Translator: Ode Dedy, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Anton Santoso

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