National Planning Minister Optimistic Riau Islands Can Become an Economic Growth Hub

National Development Planning Minister/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas) Rachmat Pambudy has expressed optimism that the Riau Islands (Kepri) can become one of Indonesia’s economic growth centres. “I see the Riau Islands as a miniature Indonesia. With all its dynamics and challenges, I feel optimistic when I see investments that have been ongoing for decades continue to be strengthened and developed. For me, this presents new hope,” he said during an audience with Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad. According to a statement from Bappenas received in Jakarta on Monday, Rachmat said that under the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), as mandated by Presidential Regulation Number 12 of 2025, the Riau Islands Province is projected as a motor of national economic growth based on processing industries and a global logistics hub, as well as a strategic border region in Natuna and Anambas that strengthens Indonesia’s economic resilience and maritime sovereignty. The Riau Islands also hold historical and cultural potential that is considered important capital for regional development. “When visiting Penyengat Island, I saw firsthand the extraordinary historical wealth. There lies the legacy of Raja Ali Haji, a great literary figure who deserves to be ranked alongside world literary figures. If this historical and cultural potential continues to be explored and modernised, I am confident the Riau Islands can become a good development model,” he said. “Moreover, if the inter-island transportation technology innovation currently being developed (hoverwing) can be optimally utilised, it will not only strengthen connectivity but also become a symbol of progress and the future of the Riau Islands,” he added. In an effort to translate the transformation mandate of the 2025–2045 National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) to the regional level, the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas together with the Riau Islands Provincial Government have prepared a Riau Islands Transformation Roadmap to be launched in 2026. To oversee the implementation of the roadmap, the ministry and the provincial government will manage a Riau Islands Transformation Secretariat (Project Management Office/PMO). The PMO will function to coordinate the implementation of priority programmes and ensure various strategic initiatives can be realised in stages through the formation of task forces focused on accelerating implementation. “I feel the Riau Islands are extraordinary. However, the most important thing is how this extraordinary potential can be realised into tangible progress felt by the community,” said Rachmat.