MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra has strengthened its strategic position in regional economic cooperation after successfully hosting the 32nd meeting of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), held in Medan from September 7 to 10, 2026.
The meeting brought together delegations from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Discussions focused not only on deepening regional cooperation but also on opening new investment opportunities, expanding connectivity and promoting economic growth among the participating regions.
The 32nd IMT-GT meeting also provided an opportunity for North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution to bring together the 10 governors of Sumatra. The meeting subsequently gave rise to Forum Sumatera 10, a platform intended to strengthen coordination and cooperation among the provinces across the island of Sumatra.
The establishment of the forum was welcomed, as each province possesses economic potential and strategic projects that can be developed jointly. Cross-provincial cooperation also creates opportunities to connect industrial estates, ports, tourism destinations, trade networks and infrastructure.
Malaysia Sees Major Potential in Sumatra
Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah said Sumatra has significant potential for stronger economic cooperation with Malaysia and Thailand. The island's geographic proximity, he said, is a major advantage for expanding trade and enlarging markets within the IMT-GT region.
"This is the first time I have met him (Governor Bobby Nasution). I see great potential and strong commitment. The presentation also showed that North Sumatra has numerous economic opportunities," Akmal said after the IMT-GT meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Medan.
According to Akmal, Sumatra's geographic position, located in close proximity to Malaysia and Thailand, can help improve regional connectivity. This would also give provinces across Sumatra an opportunity to expand their trade networks and attract investment from countries throughout the region.
Akmal cited Malaysia's logistics model through the Port of Penang, which is connected to Perlis and Thailand. He said the connectivity model could serve as a reference for developing trade routes within the IMT-GT region.
Expanding logistics links is an important component of efforts to drive regional economic growth. More integrated connectivity can accelerate the distribution of goods and services, reduce logistics costs and provide businesses with better access to larger markets.
For Sumatra, this opportunity is becoming increasingly important, as the island has several ports and economic zones that can be integrated into international trade networks.
SUMATRA HAS SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC POTENTIAL: Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah sees major potential and economic opportunities across Sumatra that can be unlocked through stronger connectivity with Malaysia and Thailand. (PHOTO: North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
Forum Sumatera 10 Wins Recognition
Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian praised North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution's initiative to bring together the 10 governors of Sumatra during the 32nd IMT-GT meeting.
The gathering resulted in the establishment of Forum Sumatera 10. The forum is expected to serve as a platform for strengthening cooperation among provincial governments on Sumatra while bringing together the regions' different development interests.
Tito emphasized that interregional cooperation has enormous potential if each province makes optimal use of its respective strengths. Such cooperation would not only benefit Sumatra but could also stimulate regional economic growth and strengthen the island's contribution to the national economy.
Forum Sumatera 10 also provides provincial governments with a space to discuss common challenges, including connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, regional development and the promotion of a sustainable economy.
Each province has different strengths. Therefore, cooperation among the regions can create a mutually complementary economic chain, particularly when strategic projects are connected to transportation networks and regional trade routes.
The establishment of Forum Sumatera 10 also reflects efforts by regional governments to avoid operating in isolation amid growing economic competition in the region. Cooperation among provinces is an important factor in strengthening Sumatra's competitiveness.
RECOGNITION FOR THE INITIATIVE TO ESTABLISH FORUM SUMATERA 10: Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian praised North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution's initiative to establish Forum Sumatera 10 as a platform for stronger cooperation among the regions. (PHOTO: North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
Sumatra's Strategic Projects Attract Investment
During the governors' forum, Bobby Nasution presented several strategic projects in North Sumatra that could be further developed through investment and regional cooperation.
Among the projects presented was the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), covering an area of 1,934 hectares. The area is one of the industrial centers of strategic importance to supporting economic activity in North Sumatra.
In addition to the Sei Mangkei SEZ, the government presented the Toba Caldera Resort, with an investment value of US$1.73 billion, at Lake Toba. Development of the tourism area is part of efforts to strengthen tourism and the creative economy in North Sumatra.
Bobby also presented the Strategic Industrial Estate of North Sumatra (Kawasan Industri Strategis Sumatera Utara/KISS), covering 2,445 hectares. The area is among the projects intended to support industrial development and establish a new center of economic growth.
Beyond industry and tourism, North Sumatra also offers development opportunities for creative economy centers, the Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) sector, as well as an integrated smart city in Deli Serdang.
The various projects highlight the broad range of investment opportunities available in North Sumatra. Industrial estate development can advance alongside tourism, the creative economy and technology-driven urban development.
Other provinces across Sumatra also used the forum to showcase their respective flagship projects. Aceh offered a medical tourism hospital in Sabang. Riau presented the Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) connections between Dumai and Melaka, as well as Tanjung Buton.
The Riau Islands presented the Batam-Bintan-Karimun Free Trade Zone. Jambi, meanwhile, presented the Ujung Jabung Special Economic Zone, with an investment value of Rp87.87 trillion.
The range of projects demonstrates the enormous economic potential spread across Sumatra. If the various projects can be connected through an integrated transportation and trade system, Sumatra has the opportunity to strengthen its role as one of the economic growth centers in Southeast Asia.
In addition to investment and connectivity, the 32nd IMT-GT meeting also addressed the importance of sustainable development. The governors expressed support for ensuring that economic growth goes hand in hand with green, inclusive and resilient development.
During the forum, Bobby Nasution presented five recommendations from the governors. The first recommendation calls for the mobilization of resources along IMT-GT economic corridors, with states and provinces serving as the main drivers.
The aim is to accelerate connectivity while creating sustainable economic growth. Regional governments are also expected to make optimal use of existing resources to support the development of economic corridors.
The second recommendation calls for the integration of green concepts into the framework of the Chief Ministers and Governors Forum (CMGF). Under the recommendation, green-city policies should be aligned with the Sustainable Urban Development Framework (SUDF).
The governors also recommended that the IMT-GT Green City Award continue to be presented annually. The award could serve as an instrument for recognizing cities that successfully promote green, inclusive and resilient development.
The fourth recommendation focuses on strengthening implementation of the SUDF through better coordination between national and regional governments. The Ministerial-Level Green City Conference Forum should also be utilized to strengthen coordination in implementing the sustainable urban development agenda.
The fifth recommendation calls for cooperation between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and ASEAN to mobilize technical assistance and financing for economic corridor projects and various green-city initiatives.
With the conclusion of the 32nd IMT-GT meeting in Medan, North Sumatra can look back not only on a successful hosting role. The meeting also strengthened the province's position within regional economic cooperation networks and opened further opportunities for broader collaboration among the provinces of Sumatra.
The establishment of Forum Sumatera 10 is among the key outcomes of the series of meetings. The forum is expected to help provincial governments develop a common agenda, strengthen connectivity and link strategic projects across the island.
Ultimately, the success of the forum will be measured by how effectively the cooperation opportunities discussed are followed up. If regional governments can maintain coordination and consistently implement strategic projects, the collaboration could strengthen Sumatra's competitiveness while making a greater contribution to national economic growth. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala