STRATEGI DIPLOMASI PUBLIK INDONESIA-MALAYSIA-THAILAND GROWTH TRIANGLE (IMT-GT) DALAM MENINGKATKAN SEKTOR PARIWISATA HALAL DI ASIA TENGGARA

Abstract

This research aims at discussing the public diplomacy strategy of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) in promoting the halal tourism sector in Southeast Asia. This qualitative eserach used the document studies technique, which involved analyzing secondary data obtained from books, journals, websites, and reports. The data analysis techniques include data reduction, data presentation, and data interpretation. The research utilizes the concept of public diplomacy, which has three dimensions: news management, strategic communication, and relationship building, as well as international cooperation through Trilateral. The public diplomacy strategy implemented by IMT-GT for news management includes utilizing technology and mass media such as official websites, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and creating a smartphone application to facilitate Muslim tourists in their travel and worship activities. The communication strategy is carried out by establishing halal industry in these three countries is growing and becoming more competitive at the global level.