Selamat datang, cik dan puan!
The Riau Islands, a young province born from the division of Riau, is adorned by 2,408 islands, both large and small. The Barelang Bridge unites these groups of islands, connecting the islands of Batam, Rempang, and Galang.
The Riau Islands themselves are one of the regions with direct borders with neighboring countries. Stretching across the island of Sumatra, the province neighbors Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Although dominated by the Malay ethnic group, this region also opens its doors to a diverse population, including Javanese, Minangkabau, Chinese, Batak, Bugis, Arab, and Flores. The unique Malay arts become local attractions, with traditional dances like Zapin, Dangong dance, Jogi Melemang Mendu, and the Makyong dance.
Cultural richness is highly esteemed in the Riau Islands, where ceremonies and traditional customs intertwine with nature. For instance, in the Betobo ceremony, the community comes together to cultivate fields and farms with a spirit of mutual cooperation. There is also the Menumbai ceremony, a ritual of harvesting honey from bees, which is part of the daily life of the local population. Their traditional healing method, Bedowo, is an ancestral heritage that is still preserved until today. When opening an agricultural land, there is even a separate ceremony called Menetau tanah.
The Riau Islands Pavilion at TMII holds a special charm. The buildings with the architecture of belah bubung houses (bubungan) or rabung houses rise above the pillars, reaching a height of two meters from the ground. The uniqueness is further reflected in its shield-shaped roof, protecting the secrets within its embrace. The colors of its walls convey implicit messages. Red carves an image of brotherhood, white translates purity, blue emphasizes the power of the seas, green chants fertility, black symbolizes strength, and the golden yellow embodies the scent of glory. Inside, historical artifacts, traditional costumes, musical instruments, and various traditional crafts are displayed.
DID YOU KNOW?
Amidst the countless islands, the delectable cuisine of the Riau Islands captivates with its seafood dishes that are pocket-friendly. Seafood delights can be found in every corner of the islands, with special menus like Gonggong, Mie Lendir, Selais Asap, Otak-Otak a la Batam, Tepung Gomak, Teh Obeng, and various other dishes.
