Pekanbaru's Economic Growth Hits 8%, Mayor Credits Collective Hard Work

The economy of Pekanbaru City showed a positive trend in the first quarter of 2026. According to data released by the Pekanbaru City Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in early June 2026, several key economic indicators experienced significant growth compared to the same period the previous year (year on year/YoY). The data indicated that Household Consumption Expenditure grew by 5.03 per cent. Meanwhile, Consumption Expenditure for Non-Profit Institutions Serving Households (LNPRT) grew by 4.13 per cent. The highest growth was recorded in Government Consumption Expenditure, which reached 20.69 per cent. Additionally, Gross Fixed Capital Formation (PMTB), or investment, also experienced growth of 8.55 per cent. This achievement is considered a positive signal for economic movement in the capital city of Riau Province. The substantial increase in government spending is believed to have boosted community economic activity, increased the circulation of money, and strengthened the business and services sector. Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho welcomed the data released by BPS. According to him, the economic growth reaching around 8 per cent annually in the first quarter was the result of collaborative work by all parties. ‘Alhamdulillah, the data released by BPS shows that the policy direction we are implementing is beginning to have a positive impact on the regional economy. This continuously improving economic growth is not the result of just one party’s work, but the hard work of all elements, from the government, business actors, to the people of Pekanbaru City,’ said Agung Nugroho. He explained that since the beginning of his leadership, the Pekanbaru City Government has sought to manage regional expenditure more effectively and on target so that it can have a multiplier effect on the economy. ‘We strive to ensure every rupiah of government spending circulates within the community. We continue to push development programmes, procurement of goods and services, and various activities involving local business actors to have a direct impact on regional economic growth,’ he said. Agung also assessed that the high growth in government consumption of more than 20 per cent shows that the acceleration of budget realisation is capable of being an effective economic stimulus within the community. ‘Government spending is not merely about budget administration, but how that budget can drive the people’s economy. When projects run, MSMEs move, labour is absorbed, and people’s purchasing power increases. That is our focus,’ he explained. In addition, the investment growth reflected by the 8.55 per cent increase in PMTB shows that the business world’s confidence in the investment climate in Pekanbaru City is improving. ‘This is a positive signal for all of us. Investors are starting to see Pekanbaru as a region with promising economic prospects and potential. The government’s job is to maintain stability, provide service convenience, and create certainty for the business world,’ he stated. Going forward, Agung asserted that the Pekanbaru City Government will continue to maintain the economic growth momentum through improving public services, accelerating infrastructure development, strengthening MSMEs, and optimising regional revenue. ‘We do not want to be complacent quickly. This data serves as motivation for us to work even better. Our target is to ensure that the economic growth that occurs is truly felt by the community through improved welfare, jobs, and broader business opportunities,’ he concluded.