PERAN BIMSTEC DALAM MENDORONG KERJA SAMA EKONOMI DI ASIA SELATAN: STUDI KASUS INTEGRASI PERDAGANGAN

Abstrak

Asia Selatan memiliki potensi ekonomi yang besar, namun integrasi perdagangan kawasan masih rendah akibat hambatan struktural, ketimpangan kapasitas negara anggota, serta biaya logistik yang tinggi. Dalam konteks tersebut, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) menjadi platform penting untuk memperkuat kerja sama ekonomi regional. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis peran BIMSTEC dalam mendorong integrasi perdagangan di Asia Selatan, dengan menyoroti tantangan dan peluang implementasi kebijakan regional. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui studi pustaka yang bersumber dari jurnal ilmiah, laporan resmi, dokumen kebijakan, serta publikasi lembaga internasional seperti Asian Development Bank (ADB), UNESCAP, dan BIISS Journal. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa BIMSTEC telah membangun fondasi institusional melalui Trade Facilitation Strategic Framework 2030 yang mendorong harmonisasi kebijakan, digitalisasi kepabeanan, dan penguatan konektivitas transportasi. Namun, integrasi perdagangan masih terbatas, tercermin dari volume perdagangan intra-BIMSTEC yang hanya mencapai sekitar 5–6 persen. Hambatan nontarif, perbedaan regulasi domestik, serta ketimpangan infrastruktur digital menjadi kendala utama. Penelitian ini juga menemukan bahwa peluang integrasi sektoral pada bidang pertanian, energi, dan teknologi informasi dapat memperkuat rantai nilai regional apabila diimplementasikan secara konsisten. Secara keseluruhan, BIMSTEC berperan sebagai katalis awal integrasi ekonomi, namun keberhasilannya bergantung pada peningkatan kapasitas negara anggota dan sinkronisasi kebijakan lintas kawasan.

South Asia holds significant economic potential; however, regional trade integration remains limited due to structural barriers, uneven institutional capacity, and high logistics costs across member states. Within this context, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has emerged as a key platform for strengthening regional economic cooperation. This study aims to analyze the role of BIMSTEC in promoting trade integration in South Asia by identifying the challenges and opportunities that shape policy implementation. This research employs a qualitative method using a literature-based approach, drawing from academic journals, official reports, policy documents, and publications from institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), UNESCAP, and the BIISS Journal. The findings indicate that BIMSTEC has established an institutional foundation through the Trade Facilitation Strategic Framework 2030, which promotes policy harmonization, customs digitalization, and improved transport connectivity. However, trade integration remains limited, as reflected in intra-BIMSTEC trade volumes of only about 5–6 percent. Non-tariff barriers, domestic regulatory disparities, and uneven digital infrastructure continue to impede progress. The study also finds that sectoral integration in agriculture, energy, and information technology presents significant potential to strengthen regional value chains if implemented consistently. Overall, BIMSTEC serves as an initial catalyst for regional economic integration, yet its long-term effectiveness depends on enhanced member-state capacity and stronger cross-border policy coordination.