Riau Islands’ 7.12% growth makes it Sumatra’s fastest-growing province, boosting preparations for the 2026 Economic Census

The Riau Islands Province (Kepri) has emerged as the fastest-growing economy in Sumatra, posting a remarkable 7.12% growth in the second quarter of 2025. The achievement, announced by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Kepri, underscores the province’s strong competitiveness and vital role as a national economic driver.

Kepri Tops Sumatra’s Economic Growth Rankings

Head of BPS Kepri, Margaretha Ari Anggorowati, revealed that the province’s 7.12% growth rate places it first in Sumatra and third nationwide. Speaking during the signing of a joint commitment to support the 2026 Economic Census (SE2026) in Dompak on November 3, 2025, she noted that Kepri’s performance highlights its resilience and innovation.

“This growth shows Kepri’s high competitiveness and its position as one of Indonesia’s key economic engines,” said Margaretha.

She emphasized that the 2026 Economic Census will map the country’s business structure, competitiveness, and MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) contributions to the national economy.

Mapping Indonesia’s Economic Future

Margaretha explained that SE2026 will be the fifth economic census since 1986, conducted every ten years under Law No. 16 of 1997 on Statistics. The census is part of Indonesia’s national data cycle — Population Census (ending in 0), Agricultural Census (3), and Economic Census (6).

According to her, SE2026 will provide vital insights into economic competitiveness, MSME contributions, digital transformation, green economy adaptation, and business challenges amid global changes.

Governor Ansar Champions a “One Data Indonesia” Vision

During the same event, Governor Ansar Ahmad reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the success of SE2026, calling it a strategic step toward evidence-based policymaking.

“We must all take part in ensuring the success of the 2026 Economic Census. Accurate data is the foundation for effective public policies and strategic government interventions,” Ansar said.

He noted that several public policies have been less effective due to the lack of up-to-date data and called for stronger collaboration between local agencies, the private sector, and BPS.

Strengthening Collaboration Across Sectors

Governor Ansar instructed his regional secretary to issue a circular letter urging all regional offices and related institutions to support BPS. Every business entity — from MSMEs to large corporations — must provide complete and accurate data.

The joint commitment signing included representatives from BP Batam, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, UMRAH University, APINDO, HIPMI, PSMTI, TVRI Kepri, and other local institutions. Together, they pledged to:

• Support SE2026 through cross-sector collaboration.
• Facilitate safe and efficient data collection.
• Encourage businesses to provide accurate information.
• Use SE2026 results to guide investment and policy.

Building a Data-Driven, Competitive Kepri

Governor Ansar stressed that SE2026 is not just an administrative task but a strategic national movement to strengthen the “One Data Indonesia” initiative.

“With valid data, we can design better-targeted policies, develop competitive sectors, and strengthen Kepri’s economic position,” he concluded.

He added that the data collected will play a central role in shaping Kepri’s long-term prosperity, enabling the province to remain one of Indonesia’s most dynamic economic hubs.

Kepri’s impressive 7.12% growth and its leadership in supporting the 2026 Economic Census demonstrate how data can transform regional development. By aligning local government, business sectors, and national institutions toward evidence-based policymaking, the province sets a model for sustainable growth — one that resonates beyond Indonesia’s borders, especially for neighboring Singapore, whose economic ties with Kepri continue to deepen.

Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Kepriprov.go.id (2025)

Keywords: Kepri Growth, Riau Islands Economy, Economic Census 2026, Ansar Ahmad, BPS Kepri, Indonesia Statistics