Pekanbaru is the capital city of the Indonesian province of Riau. Located on the eastern side of Sumatra Island, the city's name is derived from the Malay word for "new market." It serves as a major economic center for the region.
The city covers an area of 632.26 km² and has experienced significant population growth, with an official estimate of approximately 1,167,599 residents as of mid-2024. Situated on the banks of the Siak River, Pekanbaru maintains direct access to the Strait of Malacca and has a long history as a prominent trading port.