The BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) is a sub-regional economic cooperation established in 1994. The primary objective of this forum is to improve economic cooperation and integration among the regions of its members. The BIMP-EAGA involves the regions as key actors and driving forces, consisting of 15 provinces in Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua (Indonesia), the entire territory of Brunei Darussalam, Sabah, Labuan, and Sarawak (Malaysia), and 28 provinces in Mindanao and Palawan (Philippines).
Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn stated that ASEAN and the mechanism of Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) can bring significant benefits to the people in the Southeast Asian region. The East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) is undergoing the process of post-pandemic recovery and is expected to regain growth in the future. The sub-regional BIMP-EAGA cooperation agreed to revive the tourism sector which was severely affected during the pandemic.
In line with Indonesia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023, the BIMP-EAGA will also strengthen the outcomes of the 42nd ASEAN Summit held in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on 10 – 11 May 2023. The BIMP-EAGA has prepared Vision 2025, and one of its priorities is the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadman which is related to the Digital Economy Framework Agreement starting in 2023.
In the previous 25th BIMP-EAGA meeting held in Pontianak, West Kalimantan in November 2022, several issues were discussed, including efforts to restore and rebuild the regional economy. These issues covered reopening regional transportation connectivity, restoring cross-border trade activities, strengthening supply chains, and supporting MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises).
The BIMP-EAGA pushes for the completion of the “One Borneo Quarantine Initiative”, followed by the implementation of the BIMP-EAGA Green Cities Initiative, successful energy cooperation through the West Kalimantan-Sarawak electricity interconnection, and signing of three Memoranda of Understanding in the BEBC (BIMP-EAGA Business and Investment Conference). In addition, the BIMP-EAGA strengthens its collaboration with partner countries such as South Korea, Japan, China, and the Northern Territory of Australia.
According to Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN and the BIMP-EAGA mechanism can be highly beneficial for the people in the region while ensuring regional and global peace, security, and stability.
Malaysia currently holds the BIMP-EAGA chairmanship which made the meeting at the 42nd ASEAN Summit chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim. The closed-door BIMP-EAGA meeting at the summit discussed several drafts of the BIMP-EAGA Minister’s Report to Leaders. The report was then submitted to the heads of BIMP-EAGA member states to achieve the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025.
IMT-GT Summit
Aside from the BIMP-EAGA, which is a forum for economic cooperation among geographically adjacent regions, there is a cooperation between three countries under the name of Indonesia- Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT). On the second day of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, the IMT-GT Summit underlined inclusive and sustainable economic growth amid global uncertainties. The IMT-GT is an economic cooperation framework established to enhance the welfare and economic growth of people in the border areas of the IMT-GT countries.
The Indonesian regions that are part of the IMT-GT are Aceh, North Sumatra, Bangka Belitung, Bengkulu, Jambi, West Sumatra, Riau, Riau Islands, South Sumatra, and Lampung. Through the IMT-GT cooperation, the private sector is continuously encouraged to become an engine of growth. Currently, the IMT-GT trade volume is quite strong, reaching $618 billion US dollars or approximately Rp9,089.23 trillion despite the global crisis.
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