The Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam) in Riau Islands is targeting an average annual investment of IDR 115 trillion over the next five years (2025-2030) to support a national economic growth of 8 percent. Muhammad Rudi, the Head of BP Batam and Mayor of Batam, is optimistic that with various strategic plans in place, Batam’s economy will grow by more than 7.04 percent. However, Rudi emphasized the importance of balancing economic development with the preservation of culture. Batam, known as a miniature of Indonesia due to its diversity, serves as an example of how culture and economy can mutually support each other, where culture can be a source of economic growth, and a strong economy can help sustain and revive culture.
Over the past decade, Batam's cultural sector has grown rapidly, and the Batam City Government is committed to preserving this diversity as part of the city’s identity. Rudi believes that strengthening culture can boost tourism potential and increase local revenue. Additionally, massive infrastructure development is a key strategy to attract investment. Modern infrastructure, attractive city design, and cultural preservation are expected to make Batam a desirable destination for both investment and tourism. Rudi also emphasized that Batam’s rich diversity of ethnicities, religions, and traditions reflects the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, further establishing Batam as a city that is advanced, modern, and culturally rich.
