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.

Show more

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.

Show more

Latest News

September 21, 2024

Sawahlunto, a West Sumatran city rich in history and culture, is once again hosting its most anticipated annual event, the Sawahlunto International Songket Silungkang Carnival (SISSCa) 2024.

SISSCa 2024 takes place on September 6-8, 2024, with the carnival's peak event on Sunday night, Sep. 7, 2024. This 10th edition of the event is ready to present the dazzling brilliance of Silungkang songket under the spotlight of the night lights.

Sawahlunto City Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office Head Adri Yusman revealed on Aug. 28, 2024, that the implementation of SISSCa 2024 has its own special features.

"For the 9th and 10th editions, we deliberately held the carnival at night. The aim is to highlight the brilliance of Silungkang songket, which is even more beautiful with special lighting," he said.

This year's carnival theme, "It's Time for Sawahlunto," was chosen to emphasize that Sawahlunto has great potential that deserves to be brought to the international stage.

"We want to showcase all the advantages of this city, from heritage, culinary, to culture. All will be displayed optimally in SISSCa 2024," Adri added.

The difference in motifs is one of the characteristics that makes Silungkang songket unique compared to songket from other regions, including Pandai Sikek Songket.

On top of a carnival, the series of events for SISSCa 2024 also includes various other interesting activities, such as a creative economy exhibition, culinary showcase, artistic performances by children, entertainment from local artists, and a fashion show featuring models in songket clothes.

Adri also noted that foreign students from Institut Seni Indonesia Padang Panjang takes part in the carnival, wearing Silungkang songket as part of an international promotion effort. From an economic perspective, SISSCa has had a significant positive impact on local micro, small, and medium enterprises, especially songket craftsmen.

"Every time this event is held, our MSME turnover increases, and we hope this year will be the same," he said.

With a total prize of Rp97 million for participants, SISSCa 2024 is expected to attract at least 60 participants from within and outside the city of Sawahlunto.

For visitors interested in attending SISSCa, Adri reminded that the availability of accommodation in Sawahlunto may be limited due to high demand during the event.

"Experience from previous years, all hotels, inns, and homestays are always full during this event. We recommend booking now through the available travel applications," he appealed.

With SISSCa's inclusion as part of the Indonesia's Karisma Event Nusantara, Sawahlunto is ready to make its mark on the international scene, while introducing the beauty and richness of local culture that is second to none.

Read more
September 17, 2024
August 29, 2024
August 6, 2024
July 5, 2024
June 27, 2024
June 8, 2024
May 30, 2024
May 15, 2024
Load more