KBRN, Jakarta: The city administration of Malang, East Java, is actively exploring opportunities for bilateral cooperation with Bulgaria, aiming to strengthen ties in economic development, higher education, science and technology, and cultural exchange.

During a meeting held in Malang on Friday, October 10, 2025, Deputy Mayor Ali Muthohirin emphasized the potential for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to access Bulgarian markets through business matching initiatives.

“This moment is more than just diplomatic courtesy. It’s a gateway to meaningful collaboration between Malang and Bulgaria, especially in education, science and technology, economy, and culture,” Ali stated, as quoted by antaranews.com.

He added that cultural cooperation could serve as a platform to promote Malang’s traditional heritage in Bulgaria and vice versa. The city also proposed expanding employment opportunities for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) from Malang in Bulgaria.

“We hope this meeting opens doors for our migrant workers to find employment opportunities in Bulgaria,” Ali said.

According to city administration data, there are currently 260 PMIs from Malang, most of whom work in East Asia. “In terms of human resource quality, we believe they are well-prepared and capable,” he added.

Bulgarian Ambassador to Indonesia Tanya Dimitrova affirmed her country’s openness to collaboration with Malang. “Beyond political relations, we are committed to developing partnerships across various sectors,” she said.

Dimitrova noted that such cooperation reflects not only diplomatic goodwill but also the harmonious relationship between Bulgaria and Indonesia. She expressed hope that the discussions would strengthen friendship and deliver tangible benefits to both communities.

“We are happy to help connect Malang with opportunities in education, business, and culture,” Dimitrova concluded. ***