Indonesia Values the Importance of an Adaptive and Resilient IMT-GT Blueprint

JAKARTA - Indonesia considers the importance of a blueprint or blueprint for the implementation of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) that is adaptive and resilient, amid geopolitical dynamics and global economic challenges.

This was conveyed by the Indonesian Consul in Songkhla Wanardi H. Lucky when leading the Indonesian delegation in the "19th Strategic Planning Meeting" (SPM) Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) in Bangkok, Thailand on February 24-26, 2026.

SPM is an important meeting within the framework of IMT-GT which aims to evaluate the implementation of the Implementation Blueprint for the period 2022-2026 as well as formulate cross-sectoral strategic directions and priorities for the next period (2027-2031).

The Implementation Blueprint contains various initiatives and priorities for cross-sectoral cooperation between the three neighboring countries, including in the fields of digitization/IT, transportation, tourism, investment, education, trade, environment and agriculture.

In this SPM, the Indonesian delegation emphasized the importance of institutional coherence, measurability of achievements, and ownership of stakeholders for various IMT-GT cooperation initiatives.

The Indonesian delegation also underlined the need for an adaptive and resilient Blueprint in the midst of current global geopolitical dynamics.

"We need to ensure that every IMT-GT initiative has clear, measurable achievement indicators, and provides real benefits for people in the border area, by involving the Regional Government. Policy coherence and a sense of shared ownership from all stakeholders are the key to the success of future implementation," explained Indonesian Consul Lucky, launching the KRI Songkhla statement, Saturday (28/2).

He emphasized that Indonesia encourages the optimization of Sumatra's potential within the framework of IMT-GT, including strengthening connectivity and economic cooperation between Indonesia and Southern Thailand as one of the driving forces for sub-regional growth.

"In the midst of geopolitical dynamics and global economic challenges, IMT-GT needs to have an adaptive and resilient Blueprint to remain relevant and be able to respond to the development needs of the sub-region," said the Indonesian Consul.

This meeting took place constructively by strengthening the joint commitment to accelerate the implementation of priority projects that have a direct impact on the people in the three countries.

This SPM was preceded by a meeting of several Working Groups in a hybrid format which identified various sectoral programs and projects as well as their implementation strategies.

The Indonesian delegation this time consists of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy (as the National Secretariat), the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Border Management Agency, representatives of universities and the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok.

Indonesia will then host the "32nd IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting" scheduled for 7-10 September 2026 in Medan.

It is known that IMT-GT is a sub-regional cooperation forum established in 1993, where all 14 IMT-GT provinces in Southern Thailand are accredited by KRI Songkhla.