Province

Riau

Overview Economy

Riau, the homeland of the Malay people

Tucked away on Sumatra's eastern shore, Riau is a province home to around 7.18 people, as of 2022. The province stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity, natural resources, and vibrant economy. Its varied landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and blend of cultures have positioned the province as a region of significant environmental and economic contributions to the country.

Rich plains, coastal regions, and rainforests form the varied topography of Riau, with the region’s abundance increased by numerous rivers, such as the Siak and Indragiri rivers. Moreover, a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger, orangutan, and Riau peacock, may be found in the province’s tropical rainforests.

Riau’s natural environment offers a variety of tourist destinations. Examples include Ulu Kasok in Kampar, dubbed the “Raja Ampat of Kampar” for its natural beauty; Jemur Island, which is home to groups of islands serving as the natural habitat of several turtle species; and the Kampar River, which attracts surfers worldwide with its unique waves.

Furthermore, Riau boasts historical sites with distinct religious backgrounds, such as the Muara Takus temple, Agung An-Nur Mosque, and the Siak Sri Indrapura Palace. Historically, Riau has also served as a hub of exchange and trade, with commercial routes crossing the province. This historical aspect is reflected in Riau’s multiculturalism, with its diverse ethnic groups such as the Chinese, Minangkabau, and Malay communities adding to the province’s cultural tapestry.

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Economic sector

Due to its strategic location along the Malacca Strait, Riau is well-positioned to facilitate investment and commerce, acting as a gateway to global trade routes. The province benefits from access to road, air, and sea transportation networks. Notably, Pekanbaru and Dumai ports are important hubs for the export of goods such as rubber, lumber, and palm oil. Furthermore, the province's growing infrastructure, including airports, industrial zones, and highways, enhances its appeal to investors and business owners.

Nationally, Riau is renowned for its production of rubber, timber harvesting, and oil and gas extraction, all of which significantly impact Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and export revenues. The province also significantly contributes to the country's forestry and palm oil industries, as well as the oil and gas industry, hosting substantial extraction and refining facilities.

Riau’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) reached Rp 506.4 trillion in 2021 and increased to Rp 529.5 trillion in 2022. Mining emerged as the largest contributor to Riau’s GRDP in 2021 and 2022, accounting for 34.20 percent and 36.62 percent of the total, respectively. The processing industry followed closely at 9.14 percent in 2021 and 10.03 percent in 2022. Additionally, the transportation and warehousing industry, as well as the finance and insurance industries, form part of significant contributors to Riau's GRDP.

Moreover, Riau has made significant efforts in expanding investments. For example, between January and June 2023, the province successfully secured Rp 49.1 trillion from both local and foreign investment sources, marking a 10.6 percent increase from the previous year.

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Latest News

September 8, 2025

The Traditional Pacu Jalur Festival 2025 at the Narosa River in the town of Teluk Kuantan, Central Kuantan District, Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau Province officially concluded on Aug. 24, 2025.

The festival has once again been included in Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN), the Tourism Ministry's calendar of cultural festival, for 2025.

After an intense and spirited competition, the Bintang Emas Cahaya Intan jalur racing rowboat from Tanjung Village, Hulu Kuantan District, Kuantan Singingi Regency won first place.

Riau Governor Abdul Wahid, who was present to witness the final, praised the participants' sportsmanship and the excitement of the event. He stated that this year's victories demonstrated the spirit of brotherhood among the culturally-related regions.

"The competition on the final day was [done] very fairly. The first-place jalur was from Kuantan Singingi, the second and third-place jalurs were from Indragiri Hulu, and the fourth-place jalur was from Kuansing. I think this was a fair and friendly competition," he said.

Abdul Wahid also appreciated the enthusiasm of the crowd that filled the festival area.

"It was extraordinary, the audience was overflowing today. Thank you to the regents of Kuantan Singingi and Indragiri Hulu for holding an extraordinary tournament. I hope the spirit of sportsmanship will continue to be maintained in every Pacu Jalur event," he added.

Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby expressed his pride in the Traditional Pacu Jalur Festival 2025's success. He emphasized that Pacu Jalur is both a competition and a unifying cultural event.

"Pacu Jalur is our shared pride and a cultural heritage that unites the regions of Riau. In the future, I hope there will be more participants from other regencies in Riau, not just Kuantan Singingi and Indragiri Huly. Let's make Pacu Jalur more lively next year," said Suhardiman.

Indragiri Hulu Regent Ade Agus Hartanto also expressed his appreciation to Kuantan Singingi Regency for hosting and winning the competition.

"Congratulations to Kuantan Singingi Regency for winning the championship and for the extraordinary presentation of the festival. All the visitors seemed satisfied with the competition, combined with the comprehensive arts and culture offerings," said Ade Agus.

The top 10 finishes of the 2025 Traditional Pacu Jalur Festival are as follows:

  1. Bintang Emas Cahaya Intan from Tanjung Village, Hulu Kuantan District, Kuantan Singingi Regency;
  2. Tuah Datuk Imbang di Alam from Petalongan Village, Pasir Penyu District, Indragiri Hulu Regency;
  3. Panglimo Rimbo Piako from Pekan Heran Village, West Rengat District, Indragiri Hulu Regency;
  4. Buayo Danou from Bandar Alai Kari Village, Central Kuantan District, Kuantan Singingi Regency;
  5. Singa Ngarai from Pulau Kalimanting Village, Benai District, Kuantan Singingi Regency;
  6. Nago Sati Paboun from Pebaun Hulu Village, Kuantan Mudik District, Kuantan Singingi Regency;
  7. Untung Bertuah from Danau Baru Village, West Rengat District, Indragiri Hulu Regency;
  8. Ghajo Siluman Sungai Tonam from Pulau Sipan Village, Inuman District, Kuantan Singingi Regency;
  9. Limbago Sati Rantau Kuantan from Kopah Village, Central Kuantan District, Kuantan Singingi Regency;
  10. Samurai Jopang Bukik Tantunggang from Kedundung Island Village, Kuantan Tengah District, Kuantan Singingi Regency.
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