“We discussed a sister-city partnership between Semarang and Yazd, as well as possible sister-province cooperation between Central Java and an Iranian province,” Luthfi said.
The governor spoke after meeting Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi in Central Java on Wednesday.
The initiative aims to expand Central Java's international cooperation in technology, investment, education, health, agriculture, trade and halal tourism, Luthfi said.
Iran has technological advantages that could create opportunities for knowledge transfer, he said.
One area of interest is dairy technology capable of producing up to 30 liters of milk per cow daily, compared with local farmers' average of 10 to 15 liters.
Iran also has expertise in agricultural drones, medical technology and education, Luthfi said.
“If their technology is more advanced and can be applied in Central Java, it will increase productivity. That is what we aim to learn,” he said.
The partnerships could stimulate Central Java's economy, building on longstanding economic ties with Iran, Luthfi said.
Central Java's non-oil and gas exports to Iran reached about US$7.43 million in 2025, generating a trade surplus.
Iranian investment in Central Java totaled about Rp612 million (US$34,163) from 2022 through the first quarter of 2026, making Iran the province's 59th-largest foreign investor.
“Iranian investment in Central Java is mostly concentrated in Jepara, particularly in the wood-carving sector,” Luthfi said.
Boroujerdi confirmed initial discussions on a Semarang-Yazd sister-city partnership and said he hoped formal talks would follow.
“We encourage stronger economic cooperation between our countries, while cultural ties and political cooperation in international organizations are already well maintained,” he said.
Iran is ready to cooperate in education, science and technology, agriculture, livestock, food security and energy security, the ambassador said.
Boroujerdi also proposed joint religious tourism packages featuring historic Islamic cities and the shrines of prominent Islamic figures in Iran.
“Following this visit, I will coordinate with the Iranian government and our provinces to establish these partnerships with Central Java,” he said.
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Translator: Zuhdiar Laeis, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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