Peran Kerja Sama IMT-GT Dalam Pembangunan Konektivitas Maritim Asean

Abstract Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) is recognized as one of the sub-regional cooperation to support ASEAN Community. However, geographical character differences and consequently creating different interests among three member states, is likely to hinder the implementation of the IMT-GT in establishing such connectivity. This study focuses on three issues, namely, the significance of IMT-GT for each member state, implementation of IMT-GT’s programs in 2012-2016, and the role of IMT-GT in building ASEAN connectivity, particularly in the maritime sector. Through correlative descriptive qualitative method, this study found that the IMT sub-region contributes nearly 50% for the Malaysian economy, supports the Indonesian vision of Global Maritime Fulcrum for Indonesia, as well as encourages the development of less-developed Southern Thailand region. In Addition, the implementation of  IMT-GT’s programs in 2012-2016 was still low, especially on the side of Indonesia due to too many programs were planned. Another finding was that IMT-GT has played  significant role in building the ASEAN connectivity through the development of five economic corridors, although it was still more on land connectivity rather than maritime connectivity. Keywords: ASEAN, IMT-GT, connectivity, and maritime