Pekanbaru's Economic Growth Rises, Mayor Agung: This Is the Result of Everyone's Hard Work

The economic growth of Pekanbaru City in the first quarter of 2026 has shown a positive trend. According to records from the Pekanbaru City Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) in early June 2026, the regional economy grew by 7.91 per cent year-on-year, compared to the same period in the previous year.

“Alhamdulillah, the data released by BPS shows that the policy direction we are implementing is starting to have a positive impact on the regional economy,” said the Mayor of Pekanbaru, Agung Nugroho, welcoming the BPS data. According to him, economic growth reaching approximately 8 per cent annually in the first quarter is the result of collaborative work from all parties.

“This continuous improvement in economic growth is not the result of a single party, but rather the hard work of all elements, ranging from the government and business actors to the people of Pekanbaru City,” said Agung Nugroho.

This achievement was supported by the growth of several key expenditure components. These include household consumption expenditure, which grew by 5.03 per cent; expenditure on non-profit institutions serving households (LNPRT) at 4.13 per cent; and gross fixed capital formation (PMTB) or investment, which increased by 8.55 per cent. Meanwhile, the highest growth was seen in government consumption expenditure, which reached 20.69 per cent.

This achievement is considered a positive signal for the economic movement in the capital of Riau Province. The significant increase in government spending is believed to have driven community economic activity, increased the circulation of money, and strengthened the business and service sectors.

Mayor Agung stated that since the beginning of his leadership, the Pekan_baru City Government has endeavoured to manage regional expenditure more effectively and precisely to ensure a multiplier effect on the economy. “We strive to ensure that every rupiah of government spending can circulate within the community.”

Development programmes, goods and services expenditure, and various activities involving local business actors are being continuously encouraged to provide a direct impact on regional economic growth, he added.

Agung also assessed that the high growth in government consumption of over 20 per cent demonstrates that accelerating budget realisation can serve as an effective economic stimulus within the community. “Government spending is not just about budget administration, but about how that budget can mobilise the people’s economy. When projects proceed, MSMEs move, labour is absorbed, and community purchasing power increases. That is our focus,” he said.

Furthermore, investment growth, reflected by the 8.55 per cent increase in PMTB, indicates that business confidence in the investment climate of Pekanbaru City is improving. “This is a positive signal for all of us. Investors are beginning to see Pekanbaru as a region with promising prospects and economic potential. The government’s task is to maintain stability, provide ease of service, and create certainty for the business world,” he said.

Moving forward, the Pekanbaru City Government will continue to maintain the momentum of economic growth through improved public services, accelerated infrastructure development, strengthening MSMEs, and optimising regional revenue. “We do not want to become complacent. This data serves as motivation for us to work even better. Our target is to ensure that the economic growth occurring is truly felt by the community through improved welfare, employment, and broader business opportunities,” he concluded.