Tanjungpinang - The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) of Riau Islands Province (Kepri) held its Provincial Leadership Meeting (Rapimprov) under the theme “Accelerating Indonesia’s Investment Toward Economic Growth Above 8% in the Riau Islands Province” at Aston Tanjungpinang Hotel and Conference Center on Sunday (November 9, 2025).

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chairman for Organization, Communications, and Regional Empowerment (OKP) of Kadin Indonesia, Erwin Aksa representing Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie emphasized that Riau Islands is one of the most dynamic economic growth centers in Indonesia, supported by various economic indicators showing positive trends throughout 2025.

"Kepri’s economic growth in 2025 is projected to reach 5.2–5.4%, driven by the manufacturing sector, trade, construction, as well as the recovery of tourism and maritime transportation activities,” Erwin said.

He added that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Kepri has also increased significantly, particularly in Batam, Bintan, and Karimun, with projected values exceeding USD 2.8 billion. This positions Kepri as one of the country’s key investment destinations.

Furthermore, Erwin noted that regional inflation, maintained at 2.5–2.8%, reflects the effectiveness of food price stabilization. Export activities through the Batam-Bintan-Karimun Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and various Special Economic Zones (SEZ/KEK) have also continued to rise, especially for electronics, industrial components, maritime logistics, and shipbuilding.

"Kepri’s strategic location bordering Singapore and Malaysia provides substantial opportunities to strengthen regional collaboration, expand maritime logistics hubs, develop the digital economy, and enhance value-added manufacturing industries," he explained.

However, Erwin acknowledged that several challenges remain, including port infrastructure modernization, the acceleration of industrial downstreaming, improving labor competitiveness, and strengthening MSMEs outside FTZ areas. To address these challenges, he highlighted Kadin Indonesia’s four strategic pillars of national economic development: self-sufficiency, economic growth, inclusivity, and sustainability.

These pillars are implemented through the 2025 Quick Win Program, designed to deliver direct benefits to the public and businesses.

"The program includes the Gotong Royong Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) to improve school children’s nutrition, the renovation of uninhabitable homes through CSR collaboration, Gotong Royong Clinics and local workforce training, as well as MSME digitalization initiatives to expand market reach and enhance competitiveness," Erwin elaborated.

Meanwhile, Riau Islands Deputy Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura expressed high appreciation for Kadin’s contribution to strengthening the regional economy. He emphasized that synergy among the government, businesses, and the community is key for Kepri to remain competitive and continue growing.

"We want Kepri to re-engage actively with Singapore, East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and to serve as the front line of national economic and investment activity," Nyanyang said.

He also shared positive news that the region’s open unemployment rate has declined to 6.60% this year.

"This achievement indicates that Kepri’s economy is becoming more stable and well-managed. The government continues to provide non-fiscal stimulus and accelerate licensing processes to make investment easier," he concluded.

The event was also attended by Chairman of Kadin Riau Islands Province Akhmad Ma'ruf Maulana who also serves as Vice Chairman for Special Economic Zones, Industrial Zones, and National Strategic Projects of Kadin Indonesia along with Kadin Indonesia’s Vice Chairman for Membership Widiyanto Saputro and Tanjungpinang City Regional Secretary Zul Hidayat.