Province

West Sumatra

Overview Economy

West Sumatra, home of renowned cuisines 

Situated on the west coast of Sumatra island, West Sumatra is a province with a population of 5.75 million people in 2023. According to the 2021 Census, out of this population, up to 97.6 percent adhere to Islam, followed by Christianity at 1.5 percent, and Catholicism and Buddhism, both at 0.84 percent.

Notably, West Sumatra is home to the Minangkabau people, who are recognized for their matrilineal social system and distinctive architecture, notably the "Rumah Gadang". With traditional dances, music, and festivals celebrating the region’s culture, West Sumatran’s culture also encompasses its cuisine, such as Rendang, a slow-cooked meat dish with a blend of spices, which is recognized as the world’s most delicious dish according to a 2021 CNN poll. Other culinary delights include Nasi Padang, Sate Padang, and various renditions of coconut-based dishes.

Regarding the landscape, the province boasts a setting that ranges from valleys and lakes to mountains. Notably, the province is home to Lake Maninjau and Harau Valley. Moreover, the region’s Mount Kerinci is regarded as the highest volcano in Indonesia.

West Sumatra also has a rich history, seen through its ancient temples, colonial-era architecture, and royal palaces, such as Pagaruyung Palace, a reconstructed palace in Batusangkar, that reflects the grandeur of the Minangkabau kingdom.

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Economic and infrastructure development

West Sumatra’s economy has recorded positive trends in recent years, with the province’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) reaching Rp 174 trillion in 2021, Rp 182 trillion in 2022, and Rp 191 trillion in 2023.

According to Bank Indonesia’s West Sumatra branch, the province could experience an economic development of 4.63 to 5.43 percent in 2024, an increase from 2023’s figures of 4.5 to 5.3 percent. This positive economic climate is attributed to the investment flow of Rp 7.2 trillion in 2023, surpassing the target set by the provincial authorities by 128 percent. Of that number, domestic investments contributed Rp 3.411 trillion, while foreign investments US$67 million (Rp 1 trillion).

Communities in West Sumatra are known for upholding Islamic culture, offering the province an opportunity to develop its Halal tourism industry. The province itself has emerged as a key destination for both domestic and international travelers. The growth in West Sumatra’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) had positive trends in the last three years with.

The province relied predominantly on the agriculture, forestry, and fishery sector with a GRDP of 47 percent, followed by trade at 9.8 percent, and transportation and warehousing at 8.8 percent, as of 2023. Regarding agriculture, the province’s main agricultural products include rice, vegetables (carrots, onions, and cabbage), fruits (rambutan, durian, mangosteen, and snake fruit), palm oil, and rubber. Additionally, the province is a source of handcrafted goods, such as woodworking, batik, and traditional weaving, as well as art exhibitions and the digital creative sector. 

To boost West Sumatra’s economic expansion, the national government has constructed the first highway in the province, the Padang-Pekabaru highway, as part of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road, expected to be completed in mid-2024. West Sumatra is also working on improving transportation facilities through the reactivation of the Naras-Sungai Limau railway, which started in 2024. Additionally, the Pulau Air-Padang railway route, along with the Pauhlima (Padang)-Naras (Pariaman) route, has gained attention from the provincial authorities for more financially effective mass transportation in West Sumatra.

The province’s railroad revitalization project is set to start with the development of the International Minangkabau Airport-Duku railway route and continue with the revitalization of the Pariaman-Bukittinggi route. Following this, the government plans to extend the development of this railroad to Pekanbaru, alongside the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road. In the long term, the central government's infrastructure development projects aim to integrate West Sumatra's economy with the more affluent and larger economy of Riau.

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Latest News

February 14, 2025

Thousands of people came to the site below the Siti Nurbaya Bridge at the Old Town area of Padang City, West Sumatra to witness the peak and closing of Siti Nurbaya Festival 2025, which is held in conjunction with a parade for Cap Go Meh 2025, on Feb. 9, 2025.

This celebration presents the diversity of cultures from various ethnic groups living in Padang City.

Acting Padang Mayor  Andree Harmadi Algamar officially opened the parade from in front of the Himpunan Tjinta Teman (HTT) Temple, followed by a procession of dozens of children carrying a dragon puppet for the occasion. The procession is a symbol of prayer for the safety and blessings of the next generation.

The excitement was even more pronounced with lion and dragon dances, as well as artistic performances by various ethnic groups in Padang City. They include traditional dances, regional music, and a marching band from the Gita Abdi Praja IPDN drum corps adding to the lively atmosphere.

Andree emphasized that the Cap Go Meh parade is not just a celebration, but also a real manifestation of cultural harmony in Padang City.

"Today we witness how cultures become a bridge that unites people from various backgrounds. The Cap Go Meh parade does not only belong to one ethnic group, but is also part of the cultural wealth of Padang City [and its denizens] that lives and develops together," he said.

Andree added that the diversity seen in the parade proves that Padang City is home to many cultures that live side by side in the spirit of unity.

"Lion and dragon dances as well as arts and culture from other ethnic groups are all present on one harmonious stage. This is what makes Padang City unique and special," he said.

Andree noted that the combined Siti Nurbaya Festival and Cap Go Meh celebration proves that Padang City is not only rich in history, but also has cultural strength that could be a tourist attraction.

"We want to make this festival an annual and even grander agenda. By highlighting history, literature, and culture, we are not only preserving heritage but also opening up economic opportunities for the people," he explained.

Culture Ministry's Development, Utilization, and Fostering of Culture Directorate-General Facilities and Infrastructure Director Feri Arlius also directly participated in the parade with the Andree.

"We see how togetherness is woven in this celebration. This is proof that culture is not just a heritage, but also a social bond that strengthens unity," said Feri.

He hopes that the spirit of cultural collaboration as seen in Padang City can be an inspiration for other regions in maintaining diversity.

The 2025 Siti Nurbaya Festival also had UMKM bazaars, cultural exhibitions, visual mapping, literacy discussions, and public entertainment.

The closing ceremony was also attended by the Acting Padang City Family Welfare Movement Coordination Team Head Vanny Andree Algamar, Acting Dharma Wanita Persatuan Padang City Chair Netti Yosefriawan, as well as some state-owned enterprise (SOE) and region-owned enterprise leaders along with related regional apparatus organizations.

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