Governor presents Riau's potential at RIF 2025

Riau Governor Abdul Wahid stated at the opening of the Riau Investment Forum (RIF) 2025 that the future of the Riau economy lies in the downstream industry development of leading commodities. This year's RIF took place at the Bank Riau Kepri Syariah Dang Merdu Tower in Pekanbaru City, Riau, and it was attended by ambassadors, investors, and regional government heads in Riau.

"This year, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is targeting investment towards Riau to reach Rp95.28 trillion, the highest in Sumatra. By the first half (H1) of the year, realized investment had reached Rp46.9 trillion. This achievement places Riau first in terms of investment realization in Sumatra," Abdul Wahid revealed on Aug. 19, 2025.

He also outlined the region's key potential, from energy and mining to plantations and fisheries. Currently, Riau's oil production reaches 180,000 barrels per day, while the province's natural gas production averages 38,000 tons per year and its coal reserves amount to 1.45 billion tons.

In the plantation sector, Riau has the largest oil palm plantation area in Indonesia—which reached 3.87 million hectares with an annual production of around 9.4 million tons. There are 287 palm oil mills operating in Riau, as well as 14 cooking oil factories and three biodiesel factories.

"The potential for palm oil downstream industry development is vast, encompassing bioenergy, biochemicals, food, and consumer goods," explained Abdul Wahid.

Other leading commodities include rubber with an annual production of 352,000 tons, coconuts with annual production reaching 384,000 tons, sago with an annual production of 287,000 tons, as well as areca nut, coffee, pineapple, and catfish.

Abdul Wahid said all of those commodities has the potential for downstream industry development into products with added value, such as tires, medical gloves, virgin coconut oil, healthy food, biomaterials, and processed fishery products.

To support investment, the Riau Provincial Government is preparing several strategic industrial areas close to ports, airports, and the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road. Those locations include Tanjung Buton in Siak Regency, Tenayan in Pekanbaru City, Bukit Batu in Bengkalis Regency, Burung Island in Indragiri Hilir Regency, and Rangsang Island in the Meranti Islands Regency.

"We want investors to see Riau not just as a province, but as the future of business in Sumatra. Downstream industry development is the path to sustainable, environmentally friendly economic growth and expansive benefits for the local community," he said.

In addition, Abdul Wahid also highlighted opportunities for renewable energy development and carbon credits. He hopes that RIF 2025 will be the beginning of effective collaboration between the Riau Provincial Government, investors, and strategic partners.

"Invest in Riau, participate in downstream industry development, and let's reap the benefits together. Riau is ready to become a new center of economic growth that will not only benefit but also improve the welfare of the people," he concluded.