The Ambassador emphasized the United States’ commitment to strengthening our economic partnership, expanding educational exchange programs, and supporting Indonesia’s own efforts to increase access to clean water and sanitation services during a July 4-6 visit to Medan, North Sumatra. North Sumatra Governor Tengku Erry Nuradi discussed the province’s power deficit. U.S. Embassy Foreign Commercial Officer presented details about the U.S. Power Working Group for Indonesia which includes U.S. companies who have already introduced rapid power deployment solutions in other provinces. Governor Nuradi welcomed a stronger business relationship with U.S. companies and noted his priorities beyond power generation include airport expansion, mining, transportation infrastructure, waste management, tourism, and education. The Ambassador participated in a USAID Indonesia Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Penyehatan Lingkungan Untuk Semua (IUWASH PLUS) groundbreaking ceremony at a local village, a joint project with the city of Medan which will increase access to water supply and sanitation services. Governor Nuradi expressed appreciation and noted that the USAID/IUWASH PLUS partnership has succeeded in supporting his own efforts to improve water and sanitation services in five cities and districts in North Sumatera to include Medan city. During his remarks at Consulate Medan’s Fourth of July celebration reception the Ambassador stressed the importance of the U.S.-Indonesian Strategic Partnership and highlighted our shared values of tolerance and diversity. Guests in attendance told Consulate and Embassy Officers that they “were impressed with the volume of U.S. activities currently in Sumatra” as they visited program booths which highlighted specific U.S. accomplishments and work in Sumatra, including EducationUSA, Consular Services, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), FCS, and USAID. The Ambassador’s visit received positive press coverage in print, television and on-line media.
