The shipping route through the Strait of Malacca offers a strategic opportunity for North Sumatra
Indonesia is strengthening its supply chain from North Sumatra (Sumut) as part of its efforts to improve connectivity and regional economic competitiveness.
The shipping route through the Strait of Malacca is considered a strategic opportunity that must be seized to strengthen North Sumatra’s position in the regional trade network.
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Edi Prio Pambudi, Deputy Director for the Coordination of Economic Cooperation and Investments at the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, indicated this during his speech at the 32nd meeting of senior officials of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) at the JW Marriott Hotel in Medan on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
“Therefore, Indonesia is opting for a more integrated approach, where project activities are planned in cooperation with the regional government and our supply chain from North Sumatra is strengthened,” stated Edi.
According to Edi, the implementation of the IMT-GT not only addresses connectivity but also provides an impetus to restructure regional cooperation amidst changing global dynamics.
“This IMT-GT is not just a discussion about connectivity. He is convinced that the IMT-GT is an impetus to reshape it,” he said.
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He explained that recent geopolitical dynamics have prompted ASEAN to develop its own strategy for maintaining stability and strengthening regional cooperation.
“Because we understand the recent dynamic situation under geopolitical tensions, ASEAN must also have its own approach to maintain its resolve,” said Edi.
Edi also emphasized the importance of sub-regional preparedness for the impact of El Niño to ensure supply chain security, particularly food security and a smooth flow of logistics.
Several key commodities, such as rubber, palm oil, fish products, high-value horticultural products, and digital commerce, are considered driving forces and offer a shared competitive advantage.
“Indonesia is ready to bring its palm oil chemicals, biomethane, and energy, as well as tropical horticultural products, to a broader market, supported by modern packaging companies and robust cold chain and sanitation systems,” said Edi.
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The Malaysian delegate, Zunika binti Mohamed, welcomed the strategic tourism initiatives, including the marketing and media plan for IMT-GT, as well as a study to promote IMT-GT as a single destination.
“Cross-border tourism remains a crucial economic engine, and we encourage deeper cooperation on sub-regional tourism, including the Java-Sumatra growth triangle, maritime connectivity, and digital travel links, to position IMT-GT as an integrated, sustainable destination,” said Zunika.
The meeting of high-ranking officials was part of the second day of the IMT-GT activities. The following activities include Business Matching and a Business Forum. ***rel
Jalur Pelayanan Selat Malaka Jadi Peluang Strategis Bagi Sumatera Utara
Indonesia memperkuat koridor rantai pasok dari Sumatera Utara (Sumut) sebagai bagian dari upaya meningkatkan konektivitas dan daya saing ekonomi kawasan.
Jalur pelayaran Selat Malaka dinilai menjadi peluang strategis yang perlu dimanfaatkan untuk memperkuat posisi Sumut dalam jaringan perdagangan regional.
Deputi Bidang Koordinasi Kerja Sama Ekonomi dan Investasi, Kementerian Koordinator Perekonomian Republik Indonesia, Edi Prio Pambudi, menyampaikan hal tersebut saat memberi sambutan pada Senior Official Meeting Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) ke-32 di Hotel JW Marriott Medan, Selasa, 8 September 2026.
“Inilah mengapa Indonesia maju dengan pendekatan yang lebih terintegrasi, merencanakan kegiatan proyek dengan perencanaan pemerintah daerah dan memperkuat koridor rantai pasok kita dari Sumatera Utara,” kata Edi.
Menurut Edi, pelaksanaan IMT-GT tidak hanya membahas konektivitas, tetapi juga menjadi momentum untuk menata kembali kerja sama kawasan di tengah dinamika global yang terus berkembang.
“Momen IMT GT kali ini bukan hanya diskusi mengenai konektivitas semata. Menurutnya IMT GT merupakan momentum untuk menata ulang hal tersebut,” ujarnya.
Ia mengatakan, dinamika geopolitik yang terjadi belakangan ini turut mendorong ASEAN untuk memiliki strategi sendiri dalam menjaga stabilitas dan memperkuat kerja sama kawasan.
“Karena kita memahami situasi dinamis baru-baru ini di bawah ketegangan geopolitik, ASEAN juga perlu memiliki cara mereka sendiri tentang bagaimana menjaga resolusi mereka,” kata Edi.
Edi juga menekankan pentingnya kesiapan kawasan subregional menghadapi dampak El Nino untuk menjaga keamanan rantai pasok, khususnya ketahanan pangan dan kelancaran arus logistik.
Sejumlah komoditas unggulan seperti karet, minyak kelapa sawit, produk perikanan, hortikultura bernilai tinggi, serta perdagangan digital dinilai dapat menjadi motor penggerak dan keunggulan kompetitif bersama.
“Indonesia siap memperluas bahan kimia kelapa sawit, biometan dan energi, serta produk hortikultura tropis ke pasar yang lebih luas, didukung oleh rumah pengemasan modern dan sistem rantai dingin yang tangguh di sistem sanitasi,” kata Edi.
Sementara itu, Delegasi Malaysia, Zunika binti Mohamed, menyambut baik inisiatif strategis di bidang pariwisata, termasuk rencana pemasaran dan media pariwisata IMT-GT serta studi untuk mempromosikan IMT-GT sebagai destinasi tunggal.
“Pariwisata lintas batas tetap menjadi pendorong ekonomi yang penting dan kami mendorong kerja sama pariwisata subregional yang lebih dalam termasuk segitiga pertumbuhan Jawa-Sumatra, konektivitas maritim, dan tautan perjalanan digital, untuk memposisikan IMT-GT sebagai destinasi berkelanjutan yang terintegrasi,” kata Zunika.
Senior Official Meeting merupakan rangkaian kegiatan IMT-GT hari kedua. Kegiatan selanjutnya akan dilanjutkan dengan Business Matching and Business Forum. ***rel
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