Jakarta, Aug. 13 -- The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the strategic importance of West Sumatra within the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in maintaining energy security and regional stability, as well as securing trade routes.

Santo Darmosumarto, Director General for Asia-Pacific and Africa at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined the strategic role of Indonesia's upcoming 2026 chairmanship of IORA to an audience of 4,000 students at Andalas University.

He delivered the presentation during a public lecture titled "Diplomacy at Work: Championing Indonesia's National Interests in the Indian Ocean through IORA" at Andalas University in Padang, West Sumatra, on Tuesday (Aug. 11).

In a press release i...