Payakumbuh

Payakumbuh – Unveiling the city’s culinary and economic story

Payakumbuh, a city in West Sumatra, is known by many nicknames, most of which are food related. This 80.43 square kilometer city, situated 450-750 meters above sea level, holds a significant place in Indonesian culinary history. Its reputation for birthing and producing beloved Indonesian dishes draws people from across the archipelago to this highland city, which is home to 144,830 inhabitants.

For instance, Payakumbuh is dubbed "Randang City" for its numerous high-quality variations of Beef Rendang, some of which have gained popularity in Malaysia and Singapore. The city is also recognized as "Batiah City" due to the popularity of its savory yet sticky white rice dish.

Beyond its culinary fame, Payakumbuh's highland location offers more than just cooler temperatures. It boasts numerous picturesque destinations for nature enthusiasts, such as the Ngalau Indah stalactite and stalagmite caves, three nearby mountains (Mt. Sago, Mt. Marapi, and Mt. Singgalang) surrounding the city, panoramic hills like Puncak Marajo and Puncak Lontiak, and the 280-hectare grassy Mangateh Field where local cattle graze. Moreover, being in West Sumatra means the city is infused with Minangkabau culture, evident in the traditional Balai Kaliki Village with its houses built in accordance with Minangkabau architectural principles, featuring horned rooftops. Payakumbuh also boasts megalithic stone structures scattered throughout its landscape.

Economically, the city experienced modest growth, with a 4.70 percent increase in economic growth in 2023, up from 4.52 percent in 2022 and 3.58 percent in 2021. In terms of Gross Domestic Regional Product (GRDP) at Current Prices in 2023, Payakumbuh generated Rp 8.98 trillion, with the wholesale and retail trade industry contributing the most (Rp 2.25 trillion or 25.10 percent), followed by the construction industry (Rp 1.23 trillion or 13.70 percent), and the transportation and storage industry (Rp 1.09 trillion or 12.16 percent).