Andre Rosiade Inaugurates IKM Regional Boards Across Riau, Urges Support for Development

The General Chairman of the Central Executive Board (DPP) of the Minang Family Association (IKM), Andre Rosiade, together with DPP IKM Secretary General Braditi Moulevey, inaugurated the regional executive boards (DPD) of IKM for regencies and cities across Riau Province. The inauguration served as a crucial moment for consolidating the Minang diaspora organisation in Riau.

The event, titled ‘Rang Minang Baralek Gadang and the Inauguration of DPD IKM throughout Riau Province’, was held at the Tribuana Sports Hall in Pekanbaru on Saturday (20/6/2026). In his address, Andre Rosiade asserted that IKM must become a unifying force and a motor for development for the Minang community in the diaspora.

He presented several major ideas believed to strengthen economic ties between West Sumatra and Riau. Andre stated that the construction of the Padang-Pekanbaru Toll Road must be a priority due to its significant impact on both provinces, such as accelerating public mobility, opening access to West Sumatra’s tourism, and facilitating the distribution of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products to Riau.

Andre also expressed optimism that the construction of the Sicincin-Bukittinggi Toll Road would commence in early 2027, with an investment value reaching Rp29 trillion. The project includes the construction of a tunnel approximately five kilometres long, which will be one of the longest road tunnels in Indonesia.

‘Insyaallah, in early 2027, President Prabowo’s government will begin the first phase of the Sicincin-Bukittinggi construction. After that, we will continue to fight until it connects to the Riau border. This is a grand aspiration that will benefit the people of both West Sumatra and Riau,’ said Andre, who is also Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI).

Beyond toll roads, Andre also discussed plans for the development of the Trans Sumatera railway network, which is expected to connect various regions across Sumatra, including a route towards the West Sumatra and Riau border.

Not limiting his focus to regional infrastructure, Andre also expressed his commitment to assisting the development of Pekanbaru City. He mentioned having communicated with Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho to beautify several strategic areas in the city through programme support and synergy with various parties.

‘The most important thing for IKM is how Minang migrants can provide benefits wherever they are. We want to continue strengthening brotherhood while also contributing to regional development,’ said the Chairman of the West Sumatra Regional Executive Board of the Gerindra Party.

The inauguration of the DPD IKM across Riau was a key moment for organisational consolidation of the Minang diaspora in Riau. The inaugurated administrators came from Rokan Hulu Regency, Rokan Hilir Regency, Kuantan Singingi Regency, Pelalawan Regency, Siak Regency, Kampar Regency, and Pekanbaru City. DPD IKM boards for five other regencies/cities will be inaugurated at a later date. On the same occasion, DPW IKM Riau Chairman Suhatmansyah also inaugurated the Bundo Kanduang board of DPW IKM Riau.

Thousands of Minang migrants packed the Tribuana Sports Hall for the event, which was also attended by Riau Provincial Secretary Syahrial Abdi representing the Governor, DPR RI member for the Riau electoral district M. Rahul, Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho, Limapuluh Kota Regent Safni, and other regional heads from Riau and West Sumatra, traditional leaders, religious scholars, intellectuals, and IKM officials from various regions.

The inauguration of the DPD IKM throughout Riau was lively and filled with a familial atmosphere. Tambua tasa music and pasambahan dance enlivened the event. Beyond serving as an organisational consolidation forum, the activity reinforced IKM’s position as a home for the Minang community, committed to preserving culture, strengthening ties, and contributing to the progress of the regions where they reside.

Riau Provincial Secretary Syahrial Abdi appreciated the role of the Minang community, which has long been an integral part of regional development. He noted that the relationship between Riau and West Sumatra is not merely one of neighbouring provinces, but a strong historical bond forged over decades.

Syahrial stated that the Minang community is one of the largest ethnic groups in Pekanbaru City, with significant contributions to the trade, education, services, government, and business sectors. ‘This Baralek Gadang is not just a gathering of the Minangkabau family, but a celebration of the long-standing brotherhood between the Minang Realm and Bumi Lancang Kuning. The Minang community’s contribution to Riau’s economic growth and development is immense. We hope that IKM’s vast network can further strengthen the business, trade, sharia economy, and MSME sectors in Riau Province,’ he said at the event, which was sponsored by Bank Nagari.

Bank Nagari Finance Director Roni Edrian expressed appreciation for the success of the Rang Minang Baralek Gadang and the inauguration of DPD IKM throughout Riau Province, led directly by IKM General Chairman Andre Rosiade. He said the event was proof of the strong brotherhood and spirit of togetherness among the Minang diaspora, who have consistently contributed to regional development.

Roni stated that Bank Nagari fully supports the various programmes and activities of IKM as a unifying platform for the Minang community. He assessed that IKM’s presence plays a strategic role in maintaining ties, strengthening the economic network of migrants, and fostering beneficial collaborations for the Minang community both in their homeland and in the diaspora, particularly in Riau Province.

‘Bank Nagari is ready to continue synergising with IKM and supporting the positive activities of the Minang community in the diaspora. We hope that more Minang migrants in Riau will entrust their financial services to Bank Nagari. By becoming a Bank Nagari customer, migrants not only receive the best banking services but also contribute to strengthening the economy and development of West Sumatra,’ said Roni.

Meanwhile, DPR RI member for the Riau electoral district, M. Rahul, congratulated all the newly inaugurated board members. He assessed that IKM has a strategic role as a platform for fostering ties and as a government partner in maintaining unity and driving regional development. Rahul specifically appreciated the leadership of Andre Rosiade, who is considered capable of bringing the organisation to make a real contribution to the progress of the nation and the Minang community.