MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Government of North Sumatra Province is preparing to play a strategic role as host of the 32nd Ministerial Meeting of the Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), scheduled to take place in Medan in September 2026. The international forum is expected to become a key driver of economic cooperation in Southeast Asia.
In this context, the provincial government is set to table a major proposal: the inclusion of an integrated halal products and services ecosystem within the
IMT-GT Blueprint. The initiative is designed to strengthen regional economic collaboration while enhancing long-term value creation across participating regions.
Strengthening an Inclusive Halal EconomyAhmad Yamin, Head of Cooperation Division at the Bureau of Government and Regional Autonomy of North Sumatra, said the initiative reflects the province's commitment to expanding the benefits of IMT-GT cooperation.
He noted that the goal is to develop an inclusive, competitive, and value-added economic ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders involved in the regional partnership.
"This idea aligns with North Sumatra's commitment to expanding the benefits of IMT-GT cooperation through the development of an inclusive and competitive economic system," Yamin said during a press briefing held at the Communication and Informatics Office in Medan on Wednesday (June 17, 2026).
Yamin added that an initial coordination meeting involving ten provinces across Sumatra had already identified a range of economic potentials that could be integrated into the
IMT-GT framework.
HALAL SECTOR INTEGRATION: Ahmad Yamin, Head of Cooperation Division at the Bureau of Government and Regional Autonomy of North Sumatra, emphasizes the importance of integrating the halal sector into IMT-GT cooperation. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
Eight Strategic Sectors for Regional GrowthThe proposed cooperation framework outlines eight priority sectors: agriculture and agribusiness, tourism, halal products and services, infrastructure and transportation, trade and investment, environment, human resources, culture, and digital transformation.
North Sumatra is placing particular emphasis on three main pillars: agriculture, tourism, and halal products and services, while the remaining sectors are expected to function as supporting components of regional cooperation.
The agricultural sector-especially coffee production-has become a key focus. Yamin highlighted concerns over misbranding of local products in international markets.
"It is like the saying: the cow produces the milk, but the ox gets the name. Our coffee comes from
North Sumatra, yet it is often marketed under other countries' brands," he said.
Halal Tourism as a Growth DriverBeyond agriculture, the provincial government is also accelerating the development of halal tourism, which is seen as a promising driver of regional economic growth and international visitor flows.
Plans are underway to implement training and capacity-building programs focused on halal products and services within
North Sumatra. These initiatives will include certification support, skills development, and cross-sector collaboration.
"These measures are expected not only to improve product and service quality, but also to attract investment and strengthen the halal marketing network," Yamin explained, adding that standardization training around Lake Toba would benefit both tourism and future generations in the region.
PROMOTING HALAL TOURISM: The
North Sumatra Government advances
halal tourism development, including planned standardization training at Lake Toba to strengthen human resources and the regional economy. (PHOTO: Doc.
North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
Sustainable Impact of
IMT-GT CooperationNorth Sumatra aims to ensure that
IMT-GT cooperation delivers tangible and measurable benefits to local communities. The province envisions stronger competitiveness for halal-certified products through improved standardization and value chain development.
In addition, halal tourism is expected to evolve into a more service-oriented ecosystem, supported by long-term investment in human resource development.
"We sincerely hope that the halal products and services concept becomes a clearly defined component of future
IMT-GT policy and brings real benefits to all participating regions," Yamin said.
As host of the 32nd IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting, North Sumatra positions itself not only as a venue, but also as a catalyst for concrete economic and social progress in the region. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Darmailawati | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala