RI Consulate Songkhla: Tourism and Connectivity Key to Strengthening the Competitiveness of the IMT-GT Region

Series of IMT-GT meetings in Thailand. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RI)

JAKARTA - Tourism and connectivity are key to strengthening the competitiveness of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Sub-region, said Indonesian Consul in Songkhla Winardi H. Lucky.

This was conveyed by the Indonesian Consul during the series of The 19th IMT-GT Working Group on Tourism Meeting, The 2nd IMT-GT Tourism Forum, The 3rd IMT-GT Tourism and Transport Dialogue, and IMT-GT Implementation Blueprint 2027-2031 Sectoral Consultation Workshop which was held in Satun, Thailand on 3-4 August 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen sub-regional cooperation IMT-GT.

The Indonesian Consulate in Songkhla was part of the Indonesian Delegation at this series of meetings led by the Assistant Deputy for International Inter-Institutional Relations, Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia.

A series of meetings discussed various efforts to strengthen the tourism sector in the IMT-GT region, ranging from improving transportation connectivity, diversifying tourist destinations, developing sustainable tourism, to preparing the strategic direction of the IMT-GT Implementation Blueprint for the period 2027-2031.

Series of IMT-GT meetings in Thailand. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RI)

The Indonesian Consul in Songkhla, Winardi H. Lucky, emphasized that the tourism sector has an important role in strengthening relations between countries as well as being a driving force for economic growth in the region.

"Tourism and connectivity are the key to strengthening the competitiveness of the IMT-GT region. Through the collaboration of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, we not only build connected destinations, but also open up economic opportunities and create real benefits for the community," said the Indonesian Consul, launching the KRI Songkhla statement, Thursday (6/8).

In addition to delegations from the three member countries, the forum was also attended by a number of international organizations and strategic partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), IMT-GT Uninet, and the IMT-GT Joint Business Council.

The presence of various stakeholders is expected to accelerate the implementation of priority programs that provide tangible benefits for the community in the region.

The active participation of the Indonesian Delegation in the forum reflects the government's commitment to continue strengthening economic diplomacy through regional cooperation, opening up new collaboration opportunities, and encouraging the growth of a tourism sector that is increasingly connected, competitive, and sustainable.

In particular, the Indonesian delegation emphasized the need to promote quality tourism through the use of digital platforms and "joint branding" as well as investment facilitation in the tourism sector.

IMT-GT countries target an average of 50 million international tourists per year in 2026 with a GDP per capita impact of 17,985 in the same year focused on the tourism sector, cross-border trade and halal logistics.

The Indonesian Consulate in Songkhla will continue to support various cooperation initiatives in the IMT-GT region as part of efforts to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Thailand and Malaysia, as well as expand economic opportunities for people in the three countries.