MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah bin Mohd Nasir has offered opportunities for cooperation in the tourism and healthcare sectors between Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT). In his view, the cooperation holds significant potential as connectivity and economic ties among the countries in the region continue to grow closer.
Akmal expressed the view after attending the 32nd IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting at the JW Marriott Hotel in Medan on Thursday, September 10, 2026. At the same time, he praised the commitment and leadership of North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution in strengthening regional economic cooperation.
According to Akmal, North Sumatra has considerable potential to develop various forms of cooperation with Malaysia and Thailand. The potential extends beyond trade and investment to include tourism and healthcare, both of which can be further developed through cross-border cooperation.
"This is the first time I have met him. I see great potential and strong commitment. The presentation also showed that North Sumatra has many economic opportunities," Akmal said.
Malaysia Opens Opportunities in Medical Tourism
Akmal highlighted the development of health tourism, or medical tourism, as a sector that could further strengthen Malaysia's economic ties with regions across the island of Sumatra.
Malaysia is currently developing medical tourism as part of an economic sector capable of attracting people from various countries. According to Akmal, this experience creates opportunities for cooperation with North Sumatra and other regions of Sumatra that have tourism potential and healthcare services.
Combining tourism and healthcare can generate broader economic benefits. In addition to increasing population mobility, such cooperation could stimulate the growth of supporting industries, including transportation, hotels, restaurants, and various services in the tourism and healthcare sectors.
These opportunities are further supported by the already strong air connectivity between Malaysia and North Sumatra. Akmal said there are around 60 flights per week connecting Malaysia with Medan.
In his view, the high flight frequency reflects the close economic and business ties as well as the intense movement of people between the two countries. Air connectivity could also serve as an important foundation for expanding cooperation in tourism and medical tourism.
"We see very good economic opportunities that can be further developed between Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia," he said.
Through this connectivity, Malaysian citizens are gaining easier access to various destinations in North Sumatra. Conversely, people in North Sumatra are gaining better access to tourist destinations and healthcare services in Malaysia.
Akmal hopes the cooperation will not be limited to government-to-government relations but will lead to concrete partnerships involving businesses and communities as well.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION WITH SUMATRA: Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah bin Mohd Nasir sees the development of medical tourism as an opportunity for cooperation with regions across Sumatra. (PHOTO: PHOTO: North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
North Sumatra's Tourism Potential as a Foundation
North Sumatra has a range of tourist destinations that could become part of regional tourism cooperation under the IMT-GT. During the meeting, Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution also presented several strategic projects and investment opportunities in the province.
Bobby presented the projects in his capacity as Chair of the Chief Ministers' and Governors' Forum (CMGF) during the reporting session of the 32nd IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting.
Among the projects presented by Bobby was the Toba Caldera Resort in the Lake Toba area, with an investment value of US$1.73 billion. The project is part of North Sumatra's potential that can be developed to strengthen the tourism sector and attract investment.
In addition to the Toba Caldera Resort, Bobby presented three other strategic projects: the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), covering 1,934 hectares; the Strategic Industrial Area of North Sumatra (KISS), covering 2,445 hectares; and an integrated center for the creative economy, Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE), and a Smart City in Deli Serdang.
The tourism potential and development of these areas could become part of an economic ecosystem supporting cross-border cooperation. Increasing visitor numbers would create new opportunities for local businesses while expanding the market for various products and services in North Sumatra.
North Sumatra is not the only province on Sumatra offering projects that could strengthen cooperation under the IMT-GT.
Aceh is offering a medical tourism hospital project in Sabang with an investment value of US$2.78 billion. The project is directly related to opportunities to develop medical tourism in the region.
Riau is contributing the Dumai–Melaka RORO ferry connection project as well as the Tanjung Buton development area. The Riau Islands are focusing on the Batam–Bintan–Karimun Free Trade Zone.
Jambi, meanwhile, is offering the Ujung Jabung Special Economic Zone with an investment value of Rp87.87 trillion. Lampung is seeking Rp19 trillion in investment in the tourism sector.
These various projects demonstrate the significant potential of the tourism and healthcare sectors across Sumatra. If regional governments can integrate this potential with Malaysia and Thailand's transportation and connectivity networks, IMT-GT cooperation could generate broader economic benefits.
STRATEGIC PROJECTS IN NORTH SUMATRA PRESENTED: North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution presents the province's tourism potential and strategic projects during the 32nd IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting in Medan. (PHOTO: PHOTO: North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
Connectivity Strengthens Regional Cooperation
Akmal sees the geographical proximity between Sumatra, Malaysia and Thailand as an important foundation for expanding cooperation. This strategic location enables IMT-GT member countries to strengthen connectivity while expanding their respective markets.
As an example, he cited Malaysia's logistics connectivity through the Port of Penang, which is linked by rail networks to Perlis and Thailand. In his view, developing such connectivity can create additional opportunities for trade and mobility.
Connectivity is also an important factor in increasing tourist arrivals. Easy access through various modes of transportation can shorten travel times and encourage people to choose destinations in neighboring countries as alternative tourist destinations.
"I am very grateful for the welcome we received. Relations between the two countries are very good and will continue to develop," he said.
In addition to tourism and healthcare, Akmal also sees opportunities to strengthen trade cooperation. He pointed to key commodities and products such as palm oil, rice and various agricultural products, whose markets could be expanded among the countries.
During the meeting, Bobby also reported on the development of the IMT-GT Framework for Sustainable Urban Development. The ASEAN Secretariat has recorded 47 regional activities and 162 work activities under the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The ASEAN Smart Cities Network has also grown to 38 member cities. This development highlights the growing importance of connected cities in supporting both population mobility and economic activity across the region.
Bobby subsequently presented five recommendations from the CMGF. One of them calls for the mobilization of resources along IMT-GT economic corridors, with provincial and national governments serving as key drivers of connectivity and sustainable economic growth.
The 32nd IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting has opened new opportunities for cooperation in tourism and healthcare among Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. For North Sumatra, strengthening connectivity and harnessing the potential of tourist destinations and medical services could provide an important foundation for the province to play a greater role in regional economic growth.
The cooperation could also create new opportunities for businesses and communities. With support from regional governments and increasingly stronger cross-border connectivity, tourism and healthcare could become new engines of growth for the IMT-GT region. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala