KRI Songkhla Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy and Promote Economic Promotion at Satun Halal Street 2026
JAKARTA - The province of Satun in southern Thailand has the potential to become an entry point for promoting Indonesian products and tourism to the Muslim market in the region, said Indonesian Consul Songkhla Winardi H. Lucky.
Indonesia once again showed its appeal on the international stage through participation in the Satun Halal Street 2026 event which took place on May 1-3, 2026 at the Satun Geopark Gateway, Satun Province, South Thailand.
This participation is a strategic step for the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) Songkhla in encouraging economic promotion as well as strengthening cultural diplomacy in the region with a majority of Muslim population.
Carrying an integrated promotional approach, KRI Songkhla presents Indonesian MSMEs, PT Yakin Global Indopratama, which showcases modest fashion products and typical Indonesian cuisine. The presence of these products attracted the high enthusiasm of visitors and made the Indonesian booth one of the busiest throughout the event.
The high interest of local people confirms that Satun is a potential market for Indonesian MSMEs and tourism products, especially in the Muslim tourist segment.
The geographical and cultural proximity between South Thailand and several western Indonesian regions (Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra) is also a supporting factor that strengthens these opportunities.
Apart from product promotion, KRI Songkhla is also active in building strategic networks through meetings with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Office Satun, Satun Provincial Administrative Organization, as well as travel industry players from Indonesia and Tailan.
The meeting highlighted the opportunities for developing cooperation in tourism based on Muslim-friendly tourism, including the potential for increasing the flow of tourists between South Thailand and the western region of Indonesia.
In the context of connectivity, the development of a maritime transport route through the Tammalang Port in Satun to the western region of Indonesia is identified as a strategic opportunity to strengthen cross-regional economic and tourism connections.
The Indonesian Consul in Songkhla, Winardi H. Lucky, explained that Indonesia's participation in this event reflects the strong competitiveness of national products and culture in the regional market.
"Southern Thailand, especially Satun, has great potential as a gateway for the promotion of Indonesian products and tourism to the Muslim market in the region," he explained, launching KRI Songkla (7/5)
"This momentum needs to be followed up through concrete and sustainable cooperation," added the Indonesian Consul.
The Indonesian Consul confirmed that KRI Songkhla would continue to encourage synergy between the central government, local government and business actors to optimize existing opportunities.
"We will intensify follow-up efforts, including exploring trade and tourism cooperation and strengthening connectivity, so that the benefits can be felt by business actors and the community," he added.
Indonesia's participation in the Satun Halal Street 2026 not only strengthens Indonesia's positive image in Southern Thailand, but also opens concrete opportunities for increased economic and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Satun is one of the provinces in the southern region of Thailand that is a major hub for "Muslim-friendly travel" where about 80 percent of the population is Muslim.
To note, the economy of Satun is mainly supported by the agricultural sector (rubber, palm oil, fruits), fisheries and tourism. The Global Geopark in Satun is the first site in Thailand to receive UNESCO recognition in 2018.