COVID-19 Triggered the Deepest Economic Contraction
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked the most difficult period for the Riau Islands economy, with nearly every regency and city experiencing economic contraction as manufacturing, trade, tourism, and investment activities slowed significantly.
Anambas Islands Regency recorded the sharpest contraction at -16.88 percent, followed by Karimun (-10.54 percent), Lingga (-9.17 percent), Natuna (-7.26 percent), and Bintan (-3.11 percent).
Recovery began in 2021, although it was uneven. Karimun posted 1.52 percent growth, while Lingga expanded 1.42 percent. Meanwhile, Natuna, Bintan, and Anambas were still experiencing negative growth.
The recovery gained momentum in 2022, when almost all regions returned to positive territory. Bintan grew 6.10 percent, Batam 5.03 percent, Karimun 3.24 percent, Tanjungpinang 2.92 percent, and Lingga 2.69 percent, while Natuna remained slightly negative.
The upward trend continued in 2023 with broader-based growth. Bintan led the province with 8.32 percent growth, followed by Batam at 7.04 percent and Karimun at 5.50 percent. Natuna returned to positive growth, while Anambas also began to recover.
