THE Indonesian Consulate is eyeing to create academic exchange programs between Davao City and Indonesia to encourage tourism and cultural appreciation.

"Because we are neighbors, it is only right to have these programs given that we are near to each other," Indonesian consul general Berlian Napitupulu said.

Napitupulu said the idea sprung from the growing number of Indian medical students who pursue their academic studies in Davao City.

Napitupulu said if Indian students who come from the west part of Asia can come to the Philippines, “why can’t neighboring countries like Indonesia have the same experience and opportunity as well?”

Napitupulu added they are eyeing in training Indonesian students in the field of hotel and restaurant management in Davao City. The consul general said this can help train Indonesian learn from Filipinos ways of hospitality.

Though Napitupulu did not give any details yet as to the number of students who will be part of the program.

In terms of sports education, Napitupulu said there is a huge potential for the cultural exchange to thrive for both islands.

Napitupulu said Indonesians can learn how to play basketball, which is a famous sport in the Philippines, while Filipinos can learn soccer from Indonesians through the exchange program.

Napitupulu said soccer is a famous sport in Indonesia and the country has been competitive in showing their prowess in the said sport at the Southeast Asian Games.

“What better ways can we learn from each other but through seeing and experiencing culture for ourselves firsthand,” Napitupulu said. (GAD)