The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Indonesian Mountaineering Federation (FMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen institutional relations and expand bilateral cooperation in mountaineering, trekking, adventure tourism, and sustainable mountain tourism between Nepal and Indonesia. The agreement was signed during a bilateral round-table meeting held on October 31 at the TAAN Secretariat in Maligaun, Kathmandu, with the participation of senior representatives from both organizations.
TAAN and FMI Leadership Join Bilateral Meeting
The TAAN delegation was led by President Sagar Pandey, accompanied by General Secretary Sonam G. Sherpa. The Indonesian delegation was represented by Brigadier General TNI Mar Sandi Muchjidin Latief, Vice President of FMI, on behalf of Major General TNI Mar (Ret) Buyung Lalana, S.E., President of FMI.
Other senior officials and members of the Indonesian Mountaineering Federation also participated in the programme. The programme began with a formal welcome address, followed by remarks from the leadership of both organizations. The discussions focused on strengthening institutional partnerships, enhancing people-to-people relations, and identifying new areas of cooperation in mountaineering, tourism, adventure activities, and related sectors.
MoU Sets Framework for Mountaineering Cooperation
The newly signed MoU establishes a framework for collaboration across several areas of mutual interest. The two organizations have agreed to strengthen institutional relations and develop long-term partnerships between TAAN and FMI. The agreement also seeks to promote mountaineering, trekking, and adventure tourism in both Nepal and Indonesia.
Another key area is the exchange of professional expertise, technical knowledge, and practical experience. Through such exchanges, the organizations aim to provide opportunities for professionals from both countries to learn from each other’s experiences in mountain tourism and adventure activities. The agreement also provides scope for joint training programmes, workshops, seminars, and other professional development initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity of individuals and institutions working in the sector.
Promoting Nepal and Indonesia as Mountain Tourism Destinations
Tourism promotion is another important component of the partnership. TAAN and FMI will explore opportunities to promote Nepal and Indonesia as international destinations for mountain tourism, trekking, mountaineering, and adventure activities. The collaboration is also expected to encourage stronger professional networks among mountaineering federations, trekking agencies, tourism professionals, and other relevant institutions in both countries. Through greater institutional interaction, the two organizations aim to create opportunities for tourism businesses and professionals to establish new partnerships and exchange information on emerging opportunities in mountain and adventure tourism.
Focus on Cultural Exchange and Sustainable Tourism
The MoU goes beyond tourism promotion, placing emphasis on cultural exchange and people-to-people relations between Nepal and Indonesia. Both organizations expressed the importance of using mountaineering, tourism, and professional exchanges as platforms to strengthen cultural understanding, friendship, and mutual engagement between the two countries.
Sustainable mountain tourism has also been identified as a key area of cooperation. The partnership aims to encourage responsible tourism practices, mountain safety, environmental awareness, and sustainable approaches to mountain development. With growing interest in adventure and mountain tourism, the organizations believe that cooperation in these areas can contribute to safer, more responsible, and environmentally conscious tourism practices.
Commitment to Joint Programmes and Professional Exchanges
Both TAAN and FMI expressed their commitment to translating the MoU into practical initiatives through professional exchanges, joint programmes, training activities, and other collaborative efforts. The partnership is expected to create new avenues for institutional engagement while strengthening professional relationships and cultural connections between Nepal and Indonesia. The two organizations also see the agreement as an opportunity to bring together their respective expertise, experience, and resources to support the development of mountain adventure and sustainable tourism.
Partnership Marks New Milestone in Bilateral Tourism Cooperation
The signing of the MoU marks an important milestone in international cooperation between Nepal and Indonesia in the mountaineering and tourism sectors. For Nepal, the partnership provides an opportunity to further expand its engagement with Indonesia’s growing mountaineering and adventure tourism community. For FMI, closer cooperation with TAAN offers opportunities to strengthen professional exchanges and gain greater exposure to Nepal’s extensive experience in trekking, mountaineering, and Himalayan tourism.
TAAN expressed sincere appreciation to the FMI delegation for its visit to Nepal and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the federation to implement the objectives of the agreement. The two sides are expected to explore further areas of cooperation and develop practical programmes that can strengthen mountain tourism, professional networking, sustainable tourism practices, and people-to-people relations between Nepal and Indonesia.
