Close Yet Feels Far

This expression aptly describes the state of tourism connectivity in the Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT). Geographically, the three countries are located very close to one another, yet access for cross-border tourism still feels distant. Short routes that could allow tourists to take brief holidays, enjoy culinary experiences, or simply go sightseeing across borders remain limited.

To this day, no cruise ship regularly sails directly from the east coast of Sumatra to Malaysia or Thailand. Cruise routes are still dominated by Singapore and Port Klang in Malaysia, while ports in Sumatra such as Kuala Tanjung function only as ports of call, not as primary departure points.

Sea connections are still largely dominated by fast ferries serving daily passengers rather than leisure tourism. Popular routes such as Belawan–Port Klang, Dumai–Melaka, or Batam–Singapore are more focused on worker mobility and trade rather than recreation and tourism.

Tourism Connectivity Opportunities

If IMT-GT is to expand into the tourism sector, maritime connectivity will be the key. Several ports in the three countries are actually ready to serve as cross-border tourism hubs.

In Malaysia, the west coast ports of the peninsula hold strategic positions. Port Klang in Selangor is the largest port and the main cruise hub. Penang serves as a gateway to historical and culinary tourism, while Melaka has the Tanjung Bruas Port located near UNESCO’s historic tourism area. Port Dickson and Lumut can also play a role in providing access to beach destinations and family recreation.

In Thailand, the Andaman Sea coast offers vast opportunities. Phuket is the main cruise hub with connections to popular islands such as Koh Phi Phi, while Krabi serves as a major connector to various destinations in the region.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has a series of important ports along the east coast of Sumatra. Belawan in Medan is a major port located near Lake Toba, one of the country’s super-priority destinations. Kuala Tanjung in Batu Bara is projected to be an international-class seaport. Dumai in Riau, long known as a CPO hub, could be directed toward maritime tourism. Tanjung Api-Api in South Sumatra opens access to Bangka Belitung, while Batam and Tanjung Pinang in the Riau Islands remain as primary hubs for marine tourism and resorts.

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Developing new regional cruise routes should be the first step forward. Regular lines such as Kuala Tanjung–Port Klang–Phuket or Dumai–Melaka–Krabi could be established as culinary and beach tourism cruises.

In addition, cross-border maritime tourism could be realized through the “IMT-GT Island Hopping” package linking Batam–Penang–Phuket. Joint maritime festivals at strategic ports such as Belawan or Melaka could also become magnets for international tourism.

Twin tourism cities' collaboration would further strengthen cultural and tourism connectivity. Medan with Penang could be developed as a culinary and health tourism route, Dumai with Melaka for historical and maritime tourism, and Batam with Phuket for resorts and MICE activities.

All of this, of course, must be supported by adequate tourism infrastructure. Modern passenger terminals at Sumatra’s main ports should be prepared, equipped with fast immigration facilities such as maritime visa on arrival. In addition, joint promotion under the theme of “IMT-GT Maritime Cruise” would strengthen the region’s branding as a regional tourism destination.

Conclusion

The IMT-GT region holds major assets: geographical proximity, shared maritime culture, and world-class tourism potential. However, tourism connectivity remains its weak point. By strengthening maritime tourism routes, developing regional cruise lines, and creating cross-border travel packages, this growth triangle will emerge not only as an economic engine but also as a bridge of tourism civilization in Southeast Asia. Hopefully, this will be useful.

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Hamidin is an expert staff at The National Border Management Agency of the Republic of Indonesia

The views expressed in the article are those of the author.

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