Once Uninhabited, Nirup Now Hosts Luxury Westin Resort and Promises Economic Growth
Nirup Island, once a 20-hectare uninhabited patch of land near Batam, has officially been transformed into a premier tourism destination with the opening of The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa. Backed by a Rp900 billion investment, the development marks a major milestone in the tourism and economic landscape of the Riau Islands.
From Empty Land to Island Icon
Nirup Island’s transformation was made official on June 3, 2025, with a launch ceremony attended by key national figures including Minister of Transmigration Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara and Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad. The project is spearheaded by local entrepreneur Hartono of Citra Buana Prakarsa Group, who realized a childhood dream through this high-profile development.
The Westin Nirup Island Resort, under Marriott International, features 94 rooms and 52 villas designed to balance body and mind amidst the natural beauty of the archipelago. Its location—only 20 minutes by sea from Singapore and 40 minutes from Batam’s Harbour Bay—positions it as a top-tier getaway for international travelers.
Economic Impact and Local Empowerment
Significantly, 70% of the 200 employees at the resort come from surrounding islands, reflecting the project’s dedication to inclusive economic growth. “As long as they’re willing to learn, we are ready to uplift,” said Hartono.
Commissioner of PT Tritunas Sinar Benua, Jimmi Ho, reinforced this commitment, stating the resort aims to empower the local economy through partnerships with small businesses, artists, and craftsmen. Local involvement is viewed not just as a social responsibility, but as a cornerstone of sustainable tourism.
Strengthening Batam’s Tourism Sector
Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad hailed the resort as a game changer for Batam’s tourism sector, which already welcomed 1.4 million international and 3 million domestic tourists in 2024. “Tourism is one of the five largest contributors to Batam’s regional revenue,” he said, citing hotel and restaurant taxes as major revenue streams.
With Batam designated as a MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition) city, the Nirup development aligns with broader strategies to promote long-stay visits and layover tourism from Singapore. Amsakar expressed hopes for even greater accessibility, including the use of private boats to reach the island directly in future.
National Vision and Investment Significance
Vice Minister of Investment Todotua Pasaribu noted that Batam accounts for 65% of national investment realization and sees Nirup as a strategic contributor to the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision. This resort, he said, demonstrates tourism’s potential to serve as an engine for both regional and national economic growth.
From a previously empty isle, Nirup now stands as a beacon of opportunity, blending luxury hospitality with grassroots empowerment. The transformation showcases how thoughtful investment can redefine landscapes and livelihoods.
Nirup Island’s rebirth as a luxury resort destination not only elevates Batam’s global tourism profile but also anchors a model of inclusive growth. With strategic location advantages, significant investment, and strong government support, Nirup is poised to reshape regional tourism for both Indonesians and their Singaporean neighbors across the strait.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Antara Kepri (2025)
Keywords: Nirup Island, Batam Resort, Tourism Investment, Westin Resort Kepri, Hartono Citra Buana, Indonesia Emas 2045
