Pekanbaru history

The history of Pekanbaru is closely tied to its strategic location on the Siak River and the development of trade on the island of Sumatra. The city we know today grew from a small trading settlement and eventually transformed into a significant economic and administrative centre.

Foundation and Formation

Originally, a settlement called Senapelan existed on the site of modern-day Pekanbaru, founded in the early 17th century. Thanks to its advantageous position on the navigable Siak River, it quickly turned into a bustling marketplace. The official founding date of the city is considered to be 1784, when, by the decision of the Sultan of the powerful Siak Sultanate and his advisors, the settlement received city status and its modern name, which translates as "New Market". In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Pekanbaru even served as the capital of the Siak Sultanate for some time.

Key Development Factors

Several key factors contributed to the city's growth and prosperity:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the Siak River, which flows into the Strait of Malacca, provided direct access to international maritime trade routes. This made Pekanbaru an important transit point for goods.
• Trade: The city was initially a centre for international fairs. During the colonial period, it became a significant hub for rubber and coffee production.
• Natural Resources: In the 20th century, especially after the discovery of oil fields in the surrounding areas, the city's economy received a new powerful impulse. Pekanbaru became the centre of the oil refining industry in Riau Province.

Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Pekanbaru was a multi-ethnic city, reflecting its role as a trading hub. Malays, Minangkabau, Javanese, and other peoples lived here. The city's economy has historically been oriented towards trade and raw material processing. Over time, thanks to revenues from the oil industry, the city has become one of the most well-developed and economically advanced in Indonesia.

Key Stages in Pekanbaru's History

The history of Pekanbaru is a journey from a small riverside trading settlement to a thriving economic centre of Sumatra. Each stage has left its mark on the city's appearance and character.

• 17th Century: First mentions of the Senapelan settlement, the predecessor of the modern city, which emerged as a trading post on the Siak River.
• June 23, 1784: Sultan Abdul Jalil Alamuddin Syah of the Siak Sultanate establishes a market and officially gives the settlement the name Pekanbaru, which means "New Market".
• Late 18th — Early 19th Century: The city briefly becomes the capital of the powerful Siak Sultanate, highlighting its growing importance in the region.
• 1920s: During the colonial period, Pekanbaru develops as a centre for coffee and rubber production, attracting traders and workers.
• 1942–1945: During the Japanese occupation in World War II, the city becomes a vital military hub; construction begins on the infamous "Death Railway" using prisoners of war to transport coal.
• May 17, 1946: Following the proclamation of Indonesia's independence, Pekanbaru receives the status of an urban municipality within the province of Sumatra.
• 1957: Riau Province is formed.
• January 20, 1959: Pekanbaru officially becomes the capital of Riau Province, providing a powerful boost to its administrative and economic development.
• Second half of the 20th Century: The discovery and development of major oil fields in the vicinity turn Pekanbaru into the oil capital of Indonesia and one of the fastest-growing and wealthiest cities in the country.

The history of Pekanbaru is inextricably linked to its strategic position on the Siak River, which has served as a vital trade artery on Sumatra since ancient times. The city grew from a small 17th-century settlement called Senapelan, which was a market hub for Minangkabau traders. It was here that goods from the island's interior began their journey to the bustling Strait of Malacca.

A key date in the city's history is considered to be June 23, 1784. On this day, by decree of the Sultan of Siak, a new market was founded, giving the city its modern name: "Pekan Baru" translates from Malay as "new market". Thanks to its favourable location and the development of trade, in the late 18th century, Pekanbaru even became the capital of the Siak Sultanate for a short time.

During the colonial period, the city continued to grow as a centre for coffee and rubber exports. However, the real economic breakthrough occurred with the discovery of rich oil deposits in the surrounding territories. This transformed Pekanbaru and the entire Riau province into one of the key centres of the oil industry in Indonesia.

A new important stage in the city's development began after the country gained independence. On January 20, 1959, Pekanbaru officially received the status of the administrative centre of Riau Province. This event accelerated its transformation into the major economic, political, and cultural centre of Sumatra island that it is today.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Pekanbaru represents an expressive fusion of traditional Malay culture, Islamic canons, and modern urbanism driven by the region's economic growth. The city has journeyed from modest wooden structures on the riverbank to futuristic public buildings that have become the hallmarks of Riau Province.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

The city's urban development can be divided into several key stages, each leaving its mark on the urban landscape:

• Traditional Malay Architecture: The historical foundation of the region. It is characterized by wooden stilt houses (Rumah Panggung), which protect against floods and humidity. The main distinguishing feature is the roofs with "Selembayung" elements (crossed, upward-curving ends), resembling buffalo horns or a boat.
• Trading Style (Shophouses): In the oldest districts, such as Senapelan, buildings in the "Ruko" style remain preserved. These are functional two- or three-story buildings where the ground floor was traditionally used as a shop or workshop, and the upper floors for living quarters.
• Modernism and the Oil Era (1970s–1990s): With the discovery of oil fields in Indonesia, the city began to expand rapidly. During this period, Western-style residential areas emerged (such as the Rumbai district), built by oil companies, featuring wide streets and single-story cottages, which was a novelty for the local environment.
• Modern Neo-Malay Style (21st Century): The current stage of development is characterized by monumentality. Administrative buildings are constructed from concrete and glass but necessarily integrate traditional Malay roofs and ornaments, emphasizing regional identity.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

The modern look of Pekanbaru is shaped by several architectural dominants that have become symbols of the city:

• Soeman H.S. Library: A brilliant example of postmodernism and metaphorical architecture. The building is designed in the shape of an open book or a Quran stand (rehal). Its glass façade and giant columns make it one of the most unusual libraries in Southeast Asia.
• Great Mosque of An-Nur: A majestic structure combining Malay, Turkish, Arabic, and Indian architectural traditions. Due to its characteristic domes and minarets, as well as the large pond in front of the façade, it is often called the "Taj Mahal of Riau".
• Menara Lancang Kuning Tower: The office of the provincial governor. This high-rise building is topped with a stylized roof resembling the shape of a traditional Malay ship, referencing the region's maritime history.
• Siak IV Bridge (Sultan Abdul Jalil Alamuddin Syah): A modern engineering structure connecting the city districts across the Siak River. The cable-stayed bridge has become a new landmark in the city skyline, symbolizing its technological development.

Prominent Figures Associated with the City

Pekanbaru, as the capital of Riau Province and an important cultural and economic hub, is the birthplace and centre of activity for many significant figures in Indonesian history. Here are some of them:

• Sultan Syarif Kasim II (1893–1968) — The last sultan of the Siak Sultanate and a National Hero of Indonesia. Although his residence was in Siak Sri Indrapura, his activities were closely linked to Pekanbaru. After the proclamation of Indonesia's independence, he ceded his sultanate and donated significant wealth to support the young republic. The sultan passed away in Pekanbaru, and the city's international airport is named after him.
• Soeman H.S. (1904–1999) — A distinguished Indonesian writer, poet, and educator, and one of the pioneers of modern Indonesian literature. He made a huge contribution to the development of education and literature in Riau Province. The famous futuristic Soeman H.S. Library in Pekanbaru, which has become one of the city's symbols, is named in his honour.
• Herman Abdullah (1950–2022) — An influential politician who served as the Mayor of Pekanbaru for two consecutive terms (2001–2011). He was born and died in Pekanbaru. During his leadership, the city experienced a period of rapid infrastructural growth, received numerous awards for cleanliness (Adipura), and was recognized as one of the fastest-developing cities in the country.
• Rusli Zainal (born 1957) — A politician who served as the Governor of Riau Province (2003–2013) with his residence in Pekanbaru. During his administration, large-scale projects were implemented in the provincial capital, including the construction of sports facilities for the 2012 National Sports Week (PON) and the erection of iconic buildings such as the Soeman H.S. Library.
• Sutardji Calzoum Bachri (born 1941) — One of the most influential poets of modern Indonesia, known for his avant-garde style and nicknamed the "President of Indonesian Poets". His childhood and youth were spent in various cities of Riau, including Pekanbaru, which strongly influenced his work, imbued with Malay mantra culture and oral traditions.