Pekanbaru

Pekanbaru is the capital and beautiful city of Riau, a province in Indonesia on the island of Sumatra. The city port located on the Siak River and now, it is a bustling trade centre with its proximity to Singapore and Malaysia. The city is divided into two by this magnificent river with the shops, hotels and banks located on the north side and on the south, most of the government buildings and offices. It is here you will also find the main bus terminal. Because Pekanbaru is a major gateway into Indonesia from Singapore, the city has become a favorite stop for travelers go further inland in Sumatra and of course the rest of Indonesia. Pekanbaru is one of the cleanest big cities in Indonesia and noted for its wide streets, which are in the city’s main centre. The city is connected by road to an oil refining and exporting port at Dumai and there are numerous facilities including an airport, three stadiums and a swimming pool.

A settlement has existed on the city site since the 17th century. In the late 19th century, the city developed to serve the coffee and coal industries, and the Dutch built roads to help ship goods to Singapore and Malacca (now Melaka).

After oil was discovered in the region in the 1930s, Pekanbaru's economy has depended heavily on oil revenues and made the city with the highest per capita income in Indonesia. Most of Indonesia's petroleum is produced in Riau, and much of Pekanbaru's economy is based on the petroleum industry. International oil companies, such as Chevron from US, as well as other Indonesian companies, have established their offices in the region. Cheveron has majorly helped develope this city. They have paved a lot of the roads, built lots of neighborhoods called "HOP" which stands for Housing Ownership Program. Chevron has also built two of the two bridges in Pekanbaru. In some cases, Chevron has done more than the Indonesian goverment! This location for oil has proven to be one of the best money providers in the world.

The city is connected by road to an oil refining and exporting port at Dumai. Many facilities, including an airport, three stadiums (building a fourth), swimming pool, one of the two bridges that cross the Siak River near the city, the roads in Rumbai area, and also the road to Dumai, were partially or fully financed by oil companies working in the area.

Pekanbaru is becoming known as a centre of Malay culture mainly because of its proximity to that country and the Malay cultural influence can be seen in its architecture, culture and festivals as well as food. The city also has some outstanding attractions and my favourite being the An-Nur Mosque. The city boasts numerous traditional markets like those of Pasar Bawah and Pasar Tengeh in the port area and here you will find Chinese goods, including ceramics and carpets. The other excellent market is that of Pasar Pusat and is a food-lovers destination. At this market you can also purchase household-goods.

In the city there are numerous types of accommodation to suit all budgets. Getting around is not a problem as the best way is by foot. However, there is the odd taxi and bemo but by far to see the city at its best then I would recommend walking. Besides, it’s good for your health.