# North Sumatra tourism development and infrastructure

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-sumatra-tourism-development-and-infrastructure
> Updated: 2026-09-10T23:38:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 4.

North Sumatra is pursuing infrastructure improvements and international cooperation to bolster its tourism sector. The provincial government has announced plans for an alternative route between Medan and Berastagi to alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety, with construction targeted to begin in 2027.

In September 2026, the region hosted the 32nd Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Forum in Medan. During the forum, which ran from September 7–10, 2026, Sonny A. Soekoer, Assistant Deputy for Regional Economic Cooperation at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, noted that the forum aims to strengthen cross-border tourism through thematic development and the enhancement of Geopark networks, such as the connection between Samosir in the Lake Toba region and Langkawi, Malaysia.

Sjahrian Harahap, Chairman of the IMT-GT Joint Business Council (JBC) Indonesia, emphasized that the ministerial meeting should move beyond discussions to foster “real investment, business partnerships, and job creation.” Key sectors identified for potential development include trade, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, the digital economy, the halal industry, energy, and infrastructure.

Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah highlighted the strategic importance of Sumatra's assets, including production bases, natural resources, and logistics networks, noting they must be linked through inter-regional cooperation to enhance global competitiveness. Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian also participated, urging that cooperation transition into “concrete, measurable projects” and suggesting the strengthening of ties through sister city and sister province concepts between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

To encourage tourism, the government highlighted various destinations including Maimon Palace, the Tjong A Fie House, the Grand Mosque, the Rahmadsyah Museum, and the Kesawan old town area, alongside Lake Toba and Berastagi. Officials also provided updates on regional conditions, including volcanic activity related to Mount Sinabung.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Sumatra Governor promotes regional economic growth via IMT-GT

Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah is pushing for enhanced regional cooperation through the 32nd IMT-GT forum to leverage Sumatra's strategic economic and logistical advantages within ASEAN.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sumatra-governor-promotes-regional-economic-growth-via-imt-gt

### 2026-09-08: IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting in Medan targets regional investment

The 32nd IMT-GT meeting in Medan aims to transform regional cooperation into tangible investments and business partnerships across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-sumatra-welcomes-malaysia-and-thailand-delegates-for-imt-gt-meeting

### 2026-09-04: North Sumatra to promote tourism at 32nd IMT-GT Forum

The 32nd IMT-GT Forum in Medan will be used by North Sumatra to promote regional tourism and Geopark networks, including cooperation between Lake Toba and Langkawi, to international delegates.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-sumatra-to-promote-tourism-at-32nd-imt-gt-forum

### 2026-09-02: North Sumatra plans alternative Medan–Berastagi route for tourists

North Sumatra is developing an alternative Medan–Berastagi route for tourism vehicles, targeted for completion by 2029, to reduce congestion and improve safety in the Karo Regency.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-sumatra-plans-alternative-medanberastagi-route-for-tourists

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Cite as: North Sumatra tourism development and infrastructure. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-sumatra-tourism-development-and-infrastructure