KBRN, Jakarta: The Riau Islands Provincial Administration is intensifying efforts to attract Chinese investment by promoting key sectors such as oil and gas, fisheries, tourism, and industry through a series of partnership initiatives announced on Sunday, November 2025, in Tanjungpinang, Riau.

Governor Ansar Ahmad said the province aims to become a strategic partner for China’s industries while strengthening the economic cooperation that has already been established between the two sides.

“We want Riau Islands to be a strategic partner for Chinese industries while deepening our existing economic ties,” he said in Tanjungpinang on Sunday, November 2025, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Ansar highlighted the vast potential of the Natuna Block in the oil and gas sector, noting its significant reserves and long-term exploration prospects. However, he emphasized that this sector requires advanced technology and substantial investment.

He expressed hope for concrete collaboration with Chinese partners in developing the region’s oil and gas resources.

In the fisheries sector, the Governor underlined that Riau Islands, where 98 percent of the territory is ocean, holds immense potential. Marine commodities such as tuna, skipjack, and grouper are among the province’s leading export products, offering opportunities for investment and technology transfer in marine processing industries.

“We welcome cooperation in both capture fisheries and downstream processing industries because Riau’s marine resources are vast and can drive the coastal economy,” he said.

The tourism sector also presents promising prospects. Governor Ansar pointed out that the government’s visa-free policy for Chinese tourists has strengthened tourism ties and stimulated regional economic growth. The visa-free arrangement makes cross-border travel easier and more appealing for Chinese visitors.

Given Riau Islands’ close proximity to international hubs such as Singapore and Johor, Ansar believes Chinese tourists could play a significant role in boosting local tourism.

Governor Ansar also praised China’s major investment contributions to the province, notably through PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia (BAI), which operates in Bintan Regency and has had a positive impact on local economic growth.

To encourage more foreign investors, the provincial administration offers various incentives within the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and Special Economic Zones (SEZ), including import duty exemptions, tax allowances, tax holidays, and luxury tax exemptions.

He also expressed interest in establishing a sister city relationship with industrial zones in China, particularly the Nansha Industrial Zone, to build a mutually beneficial industrial ecosystem.

“What exists in the Nansha Industrial Zone can also be developed in Riau Islands so that both regions become connected as sister industrial cities,” he explained.

Furthermore, Ansar said that the provincial administration is working to expand the FTZ areas to include Tanjungpinang, Bintan, and Karimun. This initiative aims to simplify investment procedures and improve coordination between investors and government agencies.

“For matters under regional authority, we will streamline the process. If it involves central government approval, we are ready to facilitate coordination with relevant ministries to ensure investment can be realized quickly,” he concluded. ***