Surabaya's Economy Grows 5.87% as Municipal Government Drives Creative Economy and Urban Tourism
Surabaya’s economy has demonstrated strong performance throughout 2025. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Surabaya Municipality recorded economic growth of 5.87%, an increase compared to 2024’s 5.76%.
This achievement also surpassed East Java Province’s economic growth of 5.33% and the national economic growth rate of 5.11% in 2025. Meanwhile, Surabaya Municipality’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GDRP) in 2025 reached Rp830.54 trillion at current prices (ADHB) and Rp513.94 trillion at constant prices (ADHK).
This data demonstrates that Surabaya’s economic activity continues to grow positively and remain resilient amid national economic dynamics and global economic uncertainty.
Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi stated that the growth reflects the city’s economic resilience, supported by various business sectors and community participation in driving the economy.
“This economic growth demonstrates that Surabaya’s economic foundation is sufficiently strong. Going forward, the Municipal Government will continue to strengthen the local economy through the development of the creative economy, empowerment of young people, and the development of urban tourism destinations,” he said in a written statement on Monday, 16 March 2026.
He explained that from the perspective of economic structure, Surabaya’s economic activity continues to be dominated by Wholesale and Retail Trade, such as Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Repair, with a contribution of 26.97%. This is followed by the Processing Industry at 19.59% and the Accommodation and Food and Beverage Supply sector at 16.71%.
“Meanwhile, from the expenditure side, household consumption remains the main driver of the economy with a growth rate of 5.40%, followed by Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) at 6.41%. This demonstrates the increasing role of investment in driving the city’s economic activity,” he added.
Meanwhile, Irvan Wahyudrajad, Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Surabaya Municipality, explained that the Municipal Government will continue to strengthen various economic development programmes to maintain this growth momentum.
“One of the steps being taken is compiling a database of creative economy actors in Surabaya as the basis for developing policies, facilitating programmes, and strengthening business networks for creative economy players in this city,” said Irvan.
He emphasised that Surabaya’s Municipal Government also encourages young people’s empowerment through youth activity support programmes worth Rp5 million per neighbourhood.
“This programme is expected to serve as a stimulus for young people to develop creative activities, entrepreneurship, and productive activities in their neighbourhoods,” he stressed.
Furthermore, Surabaya’s Municipal Government also strengthens the development of the urban tourism sector through the arrangement of strategic areas, including the development of the former People’s Amusement Park (THR) area as an integrated creative economy space with art, cultural, and culinary activities. On the other hand, the development of thematic villages, urban tourism, and Pancasila Village is also being encouraged as part of strengthening community-based economy.
“This programme integrates historical potential, culture, national values, and community creativity so that villages not only become social spaces but can also develop as tourism destinations and centres of local economic activity,” he added.
The agency is optimistic that through synergy between government, business, communities, and society, Surabaya’s economic growth can be maintained inclusively and sustainably whilst providing tangible benefits for residents’ welfare.
“Through these various measures, we hope that the city’s economic ecosystem will develop further, open new business opportunities, and expand employment opportunities for Surabaya’s people,” Irvan concluded.