On 3 June 2025, the Minister of Transmigration, Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagar, a officially launched The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa Batam, witnessed by Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad. The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa Batam is a luxury resort under the Marriott International chain on Nirup Island, with an investment value of IDR 900 billion. It has now become a globally recognised tourism icon and a new tourist destination in the Riau Islands. Previously, Nirup Island was an uninhabited, barren land spanning 20 hectares. The transformation of Nirup Island was initiated by Citra Buana Prakarsa Group's entrepreneur, Hartono. Nirup Island is now a multifaceted development, extending beyond its initial resort offerings. Approximately 70% of the company's two hundred employees are from nearby islands. The Westin Nirup features 94 rooms and 52 villas, embracing the concept of balancing body and mind within the natural ambiance of the archipelago. The resort is in a prime location, just 20 minutes from Singapore and 40 minutes from Harbour Bay, Batam. Furthermore, Hartono stated that the project also aims to improve the standard of living for local people through tourism. PT Tritunas Sinar Benua Commissioner Jimmy Ho has expressed his support for this social commitment, referring to the development as a legacy for future generations.
Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad welcomed Nirup as a new addition to the tourism sector in the Riau Islands. It is hoped that the number of tourists, both international and domestic, will continue to increase, thereby strengthening competitiveness. Deputy Minister of Investment Todotua Pasaribu stated that Nirup's investment is in line with Indonesia's 2045 Golden Vision (Indonesia Emas), with Batam contributing 65% of national investment realisation. Nirup Island serves as a prime example of the pivotal role the tourism sector plays in driving regional and national economic growth. It is anticipated that this will become a new flagship destination for Indonesia on the global stage.
