North Sumatra Government Ready to Host IMT-GT 2026
Medan (ANTARA) - The North Sumatra Provincial Government is ready to host the series of Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) 2026 activities in Medan, North Sumatra, next September.
“North Sumatra has been designated by the Indonesian government as the location for the 32nd IMT-GT 2026 ministerial-level meeting in the Southeast Asian region,” said Ahmad Yamin, Head of the Cooperation Sub-division at the Bureau of Government and Regional Autonomy of the North Sumatra Regional Secretariat, during a press conference at the North Sumatra Governor’s Office on Wednesday.
He added that this followed Indonesia’s appointment as host of IMT-GT 2026, a decision resulting from the 31st IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting in Trang, Thailand, on 4 September 2025.
According to Yamin, the subregional economic cooperation meeting has had a tangible impact on economic development in the region. Examples include the development of the Sei Mangkei Industrial Estate in Simalungun Regency and the Toba Caldera area, which encompasses Lake Toba and its surroundings.
“The appointment of North Sumatra as host is a great opportunity to present various ideas and strategic projects that can be included in the IMT-GT blueprint for the next five years,” Yamin explained.
He stated that this subregional economic cooperation forum, involving Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand within the ASEAN framework, must not be missed. “This momentum cannot be overlooked, as it is an opportunity to strengthen North Sumatra’s competitiveness at the international level,” Yamin said.
He also explained that the IMT-GT forum discusses various priority programmes through eight working groups, which are then formulated into a blueprint for the region’s economic development over the next five years. Sectors of focus include agriculture and agribusiness, tourism, halal products and services, as well as infrastructure and transport.
All project proposals must have shared interests among Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, creating mutually beneficial outcomes. “The project ideas proposed must have shared value. Not only good for North Sumatra or Indonesia, but also providing benefits for Malaysia and Thailand, so that cooperation is mutually reinforcing,” Yamin said.
He also expressed hope that North Sumatra’s role as host of this year’s IMT-GT can be optimally utilised to expand investment and strengthen the region’s leading sectors, as well as to encourage the emergence of various strategic projects that support sustainable regional economic growth.