Riau

Riau is a province of Indonesia. It is located in the central eastern coast of Sumatra along the Strait of Malacca. The provincial capital of Riau is Pekanbaru. Riau is rich in natural resources, particularly petroleum, natural gas, rubber, palm oil and fibre plantations.

History

Historically, Riau has been a part of several kingdoms, including the Srivijaya and Malacca Sultanates. In the 16th century, Riau was under the control of the Sultanate of Johor. In the 19th century, the Dutch colonial government established control over the area.

Geography

Riau is bordered by the provinces of West Sumatra to the north, Jambi to the south, and Riau Islands to the west. The province includes the large islands of Padang, Rupat, and Bengkalis, as well as numerous smaller islands.

Economy

The economy of Riau is largely based on oil, natural gas, palm oil, and pulp and paper. The province is a major source of Indonesia's exports of crude oil, palm oil, and pulp and paper.

Culture

The culture of Riau is a blend of Malay and Indonesian influences, with the local Malay language being widely spoken. The province is known for its traditional music, dance, and crafts.

Cuisine

Riau is known for its rich and diverse cuisine. The province's culinary specialties include Panggang (grilled fish), Laksa (spicy noodle soup), and Rendang (spicy meat dish).

See also

• List of provinces of Indonesia
• Sumatra
• Malay language