General Santos City, Philippines – May 9, 2025
In a significant move to bolster regional economic integration, Indonesian Consul General Hon. Agus Trenggono, accompanied by Consul for Economic Affairs Ms. Novita S.D. Supit, paid a courtesy visit to the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce & Industry on May 8, 2025. The delegation was warmly received by Chamber President Mr. Miguel Dominguez, leading to fruitful discussions on enhancing trade, investment, and tourism between Indonesia and Mindanao.
This visit underscores the ongoing commitment of both nations to the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) initiative, aimed at accelerating economic development in less-developed regions.
A focal point of the discussions was the revitalization of the Davao–General Santos–Bitung (DGB) sea route, a strategic maritime corridor identified as a priority for enhancing regional connectivity. Originally launched in 2017, the route faced challenges due to low cargo volumes and vessel capacity limitations. However, recent stakeholder meetings have reignited efforts to overcome these hurdles and fully operationalize the corridor.
Consul General Trenggono emphasized the importance of actionable strategies to ensure the viability of the DGB route, stating, “Through today’s discussions, we aim to identify key policy interventions, increase cargo volume, and attract investments that will make this route a viable and competitive trade option in the region.”
In addition to maritime connectivity, both parties explored opportunities in tourism development. The potential for joint promotion of cultural and eco-tourism between Southern Philippines and North Sulawesi was highlighted, aligning with BIMP-EAGA’s strategic pillars of tourism and socio-cultural development.
General Santos City’s strategic location, coupled with its modern seaport and airport facilities, positions it as a key player in the BIMP-EAGA framework. The city’s commitment to sustainable development is further exemplified by the launch of its Green City Action Plan, aiming to transform General Santos into the “green city of the south.”
This renewed collaboration between Indonesia and General Santos City signifies a shared vision for economic growth, sustainable development, and strengthened regional ties within the BIMP-EAGA framework.
