The Westin Nirup Island Resort Inaugurated as New Premium Destination in Riau Islands
Tourism in the Riau Islands (Kepri) is showing positive momentum with the inauguration of The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa as a new premium destination in Indonesia's border region. The luxury resort, located on Nirup Island in Batam, is expected to boost international tourist arrivals and strengthen Kepri's branding as a maritime tourism gateway.
Head of the Kepri Provincial Tourism Office, Hasan, said the presence of a world-class destination such as Nirup Island not only provides new options for tourists but also aligns with the broader vision for national tourism development.
"We greatly appreciate the extraordinary efforts of the investors and developers of Nirup Island. They have transformed this island into a complete new destination, from hotels and villas to restaurants and marine facilities," Hasan said following the inauguration ceremony.
He explained that the development of Nirup Island is in line with national policy direction as outlined in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2024–2029, which emphasises quality and sustainable tourism.
Hasan also noted that Nirup Island represents a tangible example of the three pillars of sustainable tourism: economic, social and environmental aspects.
"From an economic perspective, this is clearly a strategic investment that will drive regional economic growth. The resort is projected to become a new magnet for both international and domestic tourists," he explained.
Beyond generating revenue, the resort operators are actively involving surrounding communities in operations, including the recruitment of local workers. According to Hasan, this represents a tangible social contribution whilst strengthening the community's role in the tourism sector.
On the environmental front, Nirup Island adopts an eco-friendly approach. The resort uses solar panels as an energy source and preserves the island's original vegetation. "The sustainable concept implemented by Westin Nirup is exemplary. The design and facilities were built using green building principles without damaging the island's original ecosystem," Hasan added.
The Kepri Provincial Government is committed to supporting the promotion of this destination to increase its wider recognition. Hasan said these efforts would be carried out through various channels, including international tourism exhibitions, expos and cross-sector collaboration.
"We are certainly ready to help with promotion. Destination branding is not instant; it requires time and a serious strategy. But with a concept and quality like this, Nirup Island can certainly become a new icon for Kepri," he affirmed.
He expressed hope that Nirup Island could provide a major boost towards achieving Kepri's tourism targets. According to data from BPS Kepri up to April 2025, international tourist visits reached 571,000, a rise of 11.76 per cent compared to the previous period.
"This year we are targeting 1.9 million international tourist visits, after surpassing 1.6 million last year. We are optimistic we can achieve this, especially with the support of premium tourist attractions such as Nirup Island," Hasan concluded.
The small island, spanning 20 hectares in the Sekanak Raya Belakang Padang area of Batam, Riau Islands, was officially inaugurated by the Indonesian Minister of Transmigration and the Deputy Chairman of BKPM on Tuesday (3 June).
Head of the Kepri Provincial Tourism Office, Hasan, said the presence of a world-class destination such as Nirup Island not only provides new options for tourists but also aligns with the broader vision for national tourism development.
"We greatly appreciate the extraordinary efforts of the investors and developers of Nirup Island. They have transformed this island into a complete new destination, from hotels and villas to restaurants and marine facilities," Hasan said following the inauguration ceremony.
He explained that the development of Nirup Island is in line with national policy direction as outlined in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2024–2029, which emphasises quality and sustainable tourism.
Hasan also noted that Nirup Island represents a tangible example of the three pillars of sustainable tourism: economic, social and environmental aspects.
"From an economic perspective, this is clearly a strategic investment that will drive regional economic growth. The resort is projected to become a new magnet for both international and domestic tourists," he explained.
Beyond generating revenue, the resort operators are actively involving surrounding communities in operations, including the recruitment of local workers. According to Hasan, this represents a tangible social contribution whilst strengthening the community's role in the tourism sector.
On the environmental front, Nirup Island adopts an eco-friendly approach. The resort uses solar panels as an energy source and preserves the island's original vegetation. "The sustainable concept implemented by Westin Nirup is exemplary. The design and facilities were built using green building principles without damaging the island's original ecosystem," Hasan added.
The Kepri Provincial Government is committed to supporting the promotion of this destination to increase its wider recognition. Hasan said these efforts would be carried out through various channels, including international tourism exhibitions, expos and cross-sector collaboration.
"We are certainly ready to help with promotion. Destination branding is not instant; it requires time and a serious strategy. But with a concept and quality like this, Nirup Island can certainly become a new icon for Kepri," he affirmed.
He expressed hope that Nirup Island could provide a major boost towards achieving Kepri's tourism targets. According to data from BPS Kepri up to April 2025, international tourist visits reached 571,000, a rise of 11.76 per cent compared to the previous period.
"This year we are targeting 1.9 million international tourist visits, after surpassing 1.6 million last year. We are optimistic we can achieve this, especially with the support of premium tourist attractions such as Nirup Island," Hasan concluded.
The small island, spanning 20 hectares in the Sekanak Raya Belakang Padang area of Batam, Riau Islands, was officially inaugurated by the Indonesian Minister of Transmigration and the Deputy Chairman of BKPM on Tuesday (3 June).