Lhokseumawe

Lhokseumawe – Aceh's Petro Dollar City

Throughout the centuries, the city of Lhokseumawe in Aceh Province has always played a modest yet solid role in Indonesia, with a history dating back to the emergence of the Samudera Pasai kingdom in the 13th century. Its most famous contribution to Indonesia has been its natural gas-based wealth. In 1971, Pertamina discovered a natural gas field estimated to hold 17.1 trillion cubic feet in reserves, which was then considered the world's largest natural gas reserve. The decades that followed saw Indonesia processing so much of this gas that it dominated natural gas exports in the 1990s. This reputation earned the city, with its population of 197,355 as of 2023, the nickname "Petrodollar City". Today, spanning 181.06 square kilometers, it stands as the province’s second largest city and serves as an essential distribution and trade route in Aceh.

Lhokseumawe's coastal location has endowed it with scenic tourism destinations. Ask locals about their favorite spots, and they will likely mention Ujon Blang Beach and its stunning sunset vistas. The secluded Seumadu Island is another local gem. History buffs can explore the Blang Panyang Japanese hill caves, which offer panoramic views of the city. Those seeking relaxation closer to the city center can visit Riyadhah Garden, a spacious and well-maintained park ideal for relaxation, jogging, or soaking in the local city ambiance.

Much like its past as Petrodollar City, Lhokseumawe continues to thrive economically with steady growth and output. Its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at current prices in 2023 was Rp 11,169 billion, up from Rp 7,861 billion in 2010. The wholesale, retail trade, car and motorcycle repair industry contributed Rp 2,561 billion (22.93 percent) to its GRDP in 2023, followed by the manufacturing industry at Rp 2,024 billion (18.12 percent) and the construction industry at Rp 1,487 billion (13.31 percent).