Province

Jambi

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.

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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.

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Latest News

September 17, 2024

House of Representatives member A. Bakri H.M. proposed for several infrastructure projects in Jambi to receive funding from the state budget. He said the proposal was well received by the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry, which stated that development would be prioritized in 2025.

The proposal was submitted by Bakri in a work meeting with House Commission V partners. It includes continuing the construction of the Jambi Toll Road, with only the 15.47 kilometers Bayung Lencir-Tempino section having been completed. The development will be monitored to the border of West Tanjung Jabung Regency, Jambi with Riau Province.

"To support the toll road, we propose the construction of the Batanghari 3 Bridge as a toll interconnection from Niaso to the next location. The plan for this new bridge must be carried out to speed up traffic from Niaso [Village, Maro Sebo District, Muaro Jambi Regency, Jambi]," the National Mandate Party [PAN] politician explained.

Bakri also proposed other important development projects.

"There is also a proposal to build the Mayang flyover and the Pall X flyover," the legislator, who has served since 2009, said.

"As a member of the DPR who has entered the fourth term, I will also fight for it in 2025," he explained.

Other routine programs will also continue to be carried out in Jambi.

"In addition to the initial proposal, the house renovation program and Pamsimas [Community-Based Drinking Water and Sanitation Provision Program] in Jambi will also continue," he said.

Previously, Jambi Governor Al Haris said that the proposal was in accordance with the work program at the PUPR Ministry regarding the construction of flyovers for the region.

"The provincial government has been designing a flyover from Mayang intersection to Angso Duo, Jambi City for a long time. Well, so I have submitted it to the PUPR Ministry, complete with the documents," he stated on May 29, 2024.

Al Haris said that the flyover's construction aims to reduce high traffic at a certain point that is considered necessary to be addressed.

"Jambi City is starting to be filled with vehicles. Hopefully the [PUPR] Minister and the [PUPR Ministry] Highways Director-General regarding the will respond to [the need for the] construction of a flyover in Jambi City," he said.

The possibility of construction for the flyover was then strengthened after Al Haris conveyed the matter to the PUPR Ministry.

Initially, the Jambi Provincial Government had studied the feasibility of building a Tugu Juang flyover to STM Atas. The flyover would reach 653 meters based on a study by the Jambi Province PUPR Office.

The condition of the Mayang intersection is often congested due to high traffic.

"The planned budget [for the project] reaches Rp170 billion," Jambi Province PUPR Office Program Development Division Head Wahyudi informed.

"We have prepared [for the flyover] the feasibility study, design, to the traffic environmental assessment," he revealed.

Wahyudi divulged that the flyover project was almost at the budget finalization stage, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic's outbreak in Indonesia. Then, there were also other road programs that according to the provincial government's view need great attention.

"Of course, the study that has been completed from Simpang Mayang to Tugu Juang is to overcome traffic congestion. But, if it is related to budget policy, we must report to the Regional Secretary as TAPD [Regional Government Budget Team]. If later there is an opportunity to continue this program, of course we will convey it back to TAPD and DPRD [Regional Legislative Council]," he concluded.

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