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

June 13, 2025

Tongkang Burning Festival 2025 was held in a lively manner in the town of Bagansiapiapi, Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau Province. Riau Governor Abdul Wahid attended the annual cultural event that has become a national tourism icon on Jun. 12, 2025.

The parade of replica tongkang barge for this year's edition only started at around 16.00 Western Indonesia Time (WIB). Usually the replica tongkang has started to be paraded around 14.00 WIB.

The procession was accompanied by thousands of participants who helped deliver the replica tongkang.Groups from various communities and clans were seen following the procession, so were Chinese temples officials.

The route taken by the parade started from in front of the local Chinese temple through Perdagangan Road before turning to the tongkang-burning site at Peniagaan Road.

The replica tongkang only arrived at the location to be burned around 17.00 WIB. The festival committee installed the mast nce the replica tongkang was placed in a position slightly at the end of the field. There are two masts standing in the middle of the replica barge, which are the main mast and a shorter mast.

After the masts were installed, as is the usual tradition, the replica tongkang was then boarded b,y, among others, Rokan Hilir Regent Rohil H Bistamam, Rokan Hilir Deputy Regent Jhony Charles, Acting Riau Province Regional Secretary M. Job Kurniawan, Riau Police Chief Insp. Gen. Herry Heryawan, and local community leader Sugiato.

After the group of officials disembarked, the replica tongkang was burned. The fire spread quickly across the parts of the replica barge made of wood and paper, and grew large in a short time.

Meanwhile, the participants continued to pray, brandishing incense, and some threw incense that had been brought from the beginning of the parade into a pile of prayer paper under the replica tongkang.

At around 17.35 WIB, the mast of the replica barge that was on fire appeared to have fallen. Starting from a small pole then the main pole, where both fell to the west.  If seen from the town of Bagansiapiapi's location, then the direction of the fallen pole is interpreted as falling towards the sea.

Bagansiapipi town resident A. Yau explained that the direction of the fallen pole for the Chinese community is believed to provide an indication that work which brings a lot of fortune for this year are those related to activities at the waters or the sea.

"Usually, if it falls in [the direction of] the sea, [then there would be] good business at sea," he said.

However, he explained that it was just an omen, and the important thing is to do whatever activity or business one carried out seriously.

During the occasion, Governor Abdul Wahid also took part in the cultural procession from the Rokan Hilir Regent's residence to the main temple using an odong-odong decorated vehicle. He was greeted by the local community and figures from varying ethnic groups.

The Riau Governor said that the Tongkang Burning Festival is an annual procession that is als part of a living cultural heritage that strengthens a sense of togetherness, tolerance, and brotherhood amid the diversity of Riau society.

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