Maluku and French Embassy strengthen cooperation in human resources and tourism

Ambon (ANTARA) - The Maluku Provincial Government, together with the French Embassy for Indonesia, is strengthening cooperation in human resource (HR) development and tourism to support improved education quality and the promotion of the region’s tourism potential. Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa in Ambon on Monday said the strengthening of this cooperation was a key focus of discussions during a courtesy call by French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone and his delegation at his office. “We discussed opportunities for broader cooperation, particularly in human resource development through education and vocational education, as well as the promotion of Maluku’s tourism sector, which has great potential to be developed,” said Hendrik. According to him, the good relations between Maluku and France can serve as a gateway to improving the quality of the region’s human resources while introducing Maluku’s premier tourist destinations to the international level. He explained that the education sector was one of the areas receiving attention during the meeting, including opportunities for developing vocational education tailored to the region’s development needs. In addition, the Maluku Provincial Government is also encouraging cooperation that can open access for the region’s young generation to gain experience and capacity building through relevant education and training programmes. “We hope that the promotion of Maluku’s tourism can be further strengthened through cooperation with France so that the region’s potential becomes more widely known internationally,” he said. During the meeting, Hendrik said, plans for a French cruise ship visit to Ambon and Banda in the coming year were also discussed, which is expected to boost the growth of the tourism sector and the local community’s economy. French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone and his delegation were accompanied by Cooperation Counsellor of the French Embassy Jules Irrmann and Political Counsellor of the French Embassy Martin Albert. Through the meeting, the Maluku Provincial Government is open to expanding cooperation with various international partners to support sustainable regional development, particularly in improving the quality of human resources and developing the tourism sector as a driver of the regional economy.