The first Webinar under the Subnational Competitiveness Webinar Series was conducted on August 3, 2020 for the province of Riau, titled “The Inaugural Provincial Dialogue on the Economy and Development 2020 for Riau”. The attendees included senior officeholders from various government agencies from Riau province, members of Indonesian Employers’ Association (APINDO) of Riau and academics from the University of Riau. The guest speakers discussed the impact of COVID-19 on Riau and engaged in dialogue regarding potential solutions moving forward.
Watch the video to view highlights from the Riau Provincial Dialogue and download the full webinar report below.
STAKEHOLDERS’ INPUTS:
BUSINESS SECTOR
Mr Peri from DPP APINDO Riau is optimistic that the economic prospect of Riau will remain positive compared to other regions, because economic stability and growth in the province is fuelled largely by large corporations such as Chevron, Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper, and Indah Kiat.
GOVERNMENT SECTOR
Mr Andi, the government sector representative from Regional Planning, Research and Development Board (Balitbangda), presented three key government responses to cope with the pandemic, which involve increased testing capacities, Direct Cash Transfers Policy, and subsidies to assist real sector economies.
ACADEMIC SECTOR
From the academic point of view, Dr Deny suggested that the province should not be over-reliant on oil, gas, and agricultural industries, but should rather strategise diversification and create higher value-added goods.
ACI PERSPECTIVES 