Batam's Soaring Economy: The Main Drivers

GDP growth in Batam continues to climb, as data from the Batam Central Statistics Agency (BPS) indicates. The region's GDP expanded by 7.04 percent, significantly surpassing the growth rates of the Riau Islands at 5.2 percent and the national economy at 5.05 percent.

Agus Kadaryanto, Head of the Batam Central Statistics Agency, underscored the sectors making the most substantial contributions to Batam's economy: manufacturing industry (56 percent), construction (21.35 percent), wholesale and retail trade (6.10 percent), financial and insurance services (3.39 percent), information and communication (2.85 percent), and accommodation and food services (1.92 percent).

"Meanwhile, the sectors experiencing the most rapid growth include accommodation and food services [30.95 percent], information and communication [18.50 percent], transportation and warehousing [15.48 percent], construction [9.86 percent], and wholesale and retail trade [9.50 percent]," Agus stated on Feb 28.

Batam's GDP growth rate is the highest in the Riau Islands province, making it the leading economic force in the region. For comparison, Bintan grew by 6.14 percent, Karimun by 5.5 percent, Tanjungpinang by 4.92 percent, Lingga by 4.3 percent, Natuna by 0.96 percent, and Anambas by 0.62 percent.