Public Works Minister gives special attention to Penyengat Island development in Riau Islands

Penyengat Island has a long history, so it must be preserved. We will certainly support the development of this area.

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has given special attention to the development of Penyengat Island as a historic tourism area and centre of Malay civilisation in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands Province.

“Penyengat Island has a long history, so it must be preserved. We will certainly support the development of this area,” Dody said in Tanjungpinang after visiting Penyengat Island on Saturday.

He said the Ministry of Public Works has in recent years carried out various improvements and upgrades to slum settlements on Penyengat Island. The scope of work includes repairing and widening neighbourhood road corridors, building pedestrian walkways, improving drainage systems to prevent flooding, and providing utilities, shelters, and public open spaces.

The minister said that for 2026-2027, his ministry is again prioritising the development of Penyengat Island, including the arrangement of the Balai Adat area, repainting the Sultan Riau Mosque, and repairing the Pelantar Kuning jetty from two sides, namely in Tanjungpinang and on Penyengat Island.

Regarding the repair of the jetty, he said the Ministry of Public Works is coordinating with the Ministry of Transportation as the lead sector for port affairs.

“We will discuss with the Transport Minister. Essentially, it is just a matter of dividing up the tasks,” he said.

Minister Dody could not yet detail the total budget required for the continued improvement of Penyengat Island, as it will be calculated first. The development of this national cultural heritage area aims to make Penyengat increasingly attractive for domestic and foreign tourists.

During the visit, the minister and his delegation were accompanied by Tanjungpinang Mayor Lis Darmansyah and Deputy Mayor Raja Ariza. The group toured Penyengat Island using motorised becaks. Minister Dody inspected a number of historical and cultural heritage sites on Penyengat Island, such as the Balai Adat and the Sultan Riau Mosque.

Penyengat Island is a small island located across from the centre of Tanjungpinang, about 15 minutes away by pompong. The area is known as a tourist destination that attracts domestic and international visitors, as it combines cultural, historical, and religious tourism.