Jambi, the legacy of Sriwijaya Empire and environmental prowess
Nestled on the eastern coast of Sumatra and boasting a population of 3.76 million people in 2023, the province of Jambi showcases a rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and abundant natural resources. The province’s historical significance, combined with its vibrant culture and rich ecology has positioned Jambi as a noteworthy part of Indonesia's archipelago.
Jambi's landscape features lush rainforests, fertile plains, and meandering rivers, including the Batanghari River. Recognized as one of Indonesia’s longest rivers, the Batanghari River not only serves as a lifeline for the local communities but also contributes to the fertility of the province’s land.
Jambi is also home to Kerinci Seblat National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that shelters a diverse array of flora and fauna, making Jambi a haven for nature enthusiasts and conservationists. Due to this environmental prowess, the province was designated as one of the pilot projects of World Bank’s BioCarbon Fund starting in 2019.
Culturally, Jambi boasts a rich cultural heritage that reflects the convergence of various influences throughout the province’s history. Notably, Jambi shelters the remnants of the ancient Sriwijaya Empire, including the Muaro Jambi Temple complex - the biggest temple complex in Southeast Asia. The Sriwijaya Empire has also heavily influenced the local Malay Culture due to their historical ties, which are vividly expressed through the province’s traditional dance, music, and art.
Moreover, important locations in Jambi and other cities within the province are slated to be interconnected soon, as the national government is working on the construction of Jambi’s first highway, the Betung-Tempino-Jambi highway. This highway is projected to be operational by 2024.
Show more
Economic significance
The economy in Jambi has experienced positive trends in recent years, with its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) increasing from Rp 153 trillion in 2021, to Rp 161 trillion in 2022, and further to Rp 169 trillion in 2023. The agriculture, forestry, and fishery sector contributed the most to the GRDP in 2023 with Rp 45 trillion, followed by the trade sector with Rp 17 trillion, and the mining sector with Rp 16 trillion.
The province’s agriculture sector notably produces timber, rubber, and palm oil, which are a few of the natural resources supporting Jambi’s economy. The significance of Jambi’s agriculture sector is also reflected in the province’s labor force. In 2022 alone, 42.87 percent of Jambi’s labor force was dominated by the agriculture sector, followed by the trade industry at 17.13 percent and the processing industry at 6.81 percent.
Moreover, the province has been aggressively pursuing both domestic and foreign investment. Notably, the year 2023 saw Jambi surpassing its Rp 10.3 trillion investment target, which has been increased to a target of Rp 11.62 trillion for 2024.
Bank Indonesia projects that in the following years, Jambi’s economic development may benefit greatly from some new economic resources, such as Shariah economy, digital economy, and natural resources downstream. Additionally, the province’s national strategic projects (PSN), such as the Betung-Tempino-Jambi highway, are also expected to contribute to the province’s economic development, which may reach between 4.7 and 5.2 percent in 2024.
Show more
