Sub-Regional Diplomacy: The Role of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) in Building Connectivity and Growth in Southeast Asia
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Abstract
The Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), established in 1993, is a sub-regional cooperation framework to strengthen connectivity and economic integration in Southeast Asia. This study analyzes the role of IMT-GT as a form of development diplomacy using descriptive qualitative methods through a literature review sourced from academic journals, ADB reports, and government publications. The findings show that the IMT-GT has undergone a significant shift from infrastructure-based cooperation to multidimensional collaboration emphasizing digital connectivity, green economy, and local empowerment. More specifically, Indonesia prioritizes inclusive development in Sumatra, Malaysia consolidates itself as a regional halal industry and logistics hub, while Thailand integrates the IMT-GT into its digital and green transformation agenda. Key challenges include infrastructure gaps, cross-border policy coordination, and funding constraints. Overall, the IMT-GT has demonstrated measurable achievements in strengthening sub-regional integration and the effectiveness of development diplomacy, although greater policy coherence is still needed to ensure the sustainability of the program.
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