On 19 August 2025, the Governor of Riau, Abdul Wahid, opened the Riau Investment Forum 2025 in Pekanbaru, delivering remarks that highlighted the region's strategic focus on the development of key commodities. The event was attended by ambassadors, investors and regional heads in Riau. Moreover, the Governor of Riau has stated that the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) has set a target of IDR 95.28 trillion for investments in Riau by 2025, the highest in Sumatra. By halfway through this year, IDR 46.9 trillion has already been invested. This achievement positions Riau at the forefront of investment realisation in Sumatra. Riau's key potential sectors include energy, mining, plantations, and fisheries. The current oil production in Riau is 180,000 barrels per day, natural gas averages 38,000 tonnes per year, and coal reserves amount to 1.45 billion tonnes.
In the plantation sector, Riau has the largest oil palm plantation area in Indonesia. The downstream potential for oil palm extends to bioenergy, biochemistry, food and consumer goods. Other key commodities include rubber, with downstream potential for value-added products such as tyres, medical gloves, virgin coconut oil, healthy food, biomaterials, and processed fisheries products. In order to promote investment, the government has established several strategic industrial zones in strategic locations, including Tanjung Buton in Siak, Tenayan in Pekanbaru, Bukit Batu in Bengkalis, Pulau Burung in Indragiri Hilir, and Pulau Rangsang in the Meranti Islands. In addition to downstream processing, Abdul Wahid emphasised the potential for the development of renewable energy and carbon credits. The Riau Investment Forum 2025 is expected to mark the beginning of concrete cooperation between the government, investors, and strategic partners. Riau is poised to emerge as a new economic growth centre, with the potential to enhance the well-being of its population.
