Do People Speak English in Pekan Baru?

Pekan Baru, the capital city of the Riau province in Sumatra, Indonesia, is a beautiful city bustling with business activities, a rich history, and spectacular architecture. As a traveler or expat looking to visit or relocate to Pekan Baru, one of the questions you might ask is if English is spoken in the city. The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian, which is also known as Bahasa Indonesia. Bahasa Indonesia has more than 300 ethnic languages and dialects, making it the primary language used for communication among Indonesians. However, English is also used and spoken by some locals in Pekan Baru, particularly in business and education sectors.

English Education in Pekan Baru

Indonesia has a national education system that requires the teaching of English in schools. In Pekan Baru, there are many schools and universities that offer English courses, making the availability of English speakers in the city higher than other rural areas. The education system emphasizes the teaching of foreign languages to enable students to learn and communicate with foreigners easily.Moreover, in recent years, the Indonesian government has emphasized the importance of English-speaking proficiency for the nation’s global competitiveness. For example, in 2016, the Indonesian government launched the “English Movement,” an initiative aimed at improving English proficiency among citizens, particularly students.

The Effect of Tourism in Pekan Baru

Tourism is one of the region’s major industries and Pekan Baru attracts many international tourists every year. This has led to the growth of English-speaking locals in the service sector, such as hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, to cater to the tourists’ needs. However, it’s worth noting that not all employees in the service industry can speak fluent English, but they can converse in simple terms and phrases required for their jobs.

Finding English Speakers in Pekan Baru

If you’re a foreigner visiting or relocating to Pekan Baru and speak only English, you may encounter difficulties in communication, especially with taxi drivers or street vendors. However, there are many places in the city where you can find English speakers. One of the ideal places is the Riau English Community, a language community that connects English speakers in the Riau Province. You can also find other language communities in Pekan Baru through local community centers, social media, and language exchange websites.In addition, most of the city’s hotels and restaurants have employees who can speak English, so you won’t have much trouble ordering food or communicating with the staff.

Conclusion

In summary, while Indonesian is the official language and predominantly spoken in Pekan Baru, English also has a significant presence in the city. The education system emphasizes English teaching, and the city’s significant growth in the tourism industry has led to the emergence of English-speaking locals. There are plenty of opportunities for foreigners to find English speakers in Pekan Baru, making it possible to communicate effectively despite any language barriers. If you’re a foreigner planning to visit or relocate to Pekan Baru, it’s advisable to learn and practice some basic Bahasa Indonesia. This gesture is not only courteous to the locals but also helpful in day-to-day communication.

Insider’s Guide to Pekan Baru: An Overview

Pekan Baru is a city situated in the Riau province on Sumatra Island, Indonesia. It is the capital of the province and has a population of over one million people. The city boasts a rich history, diverse culture and a ton of interesting attractions. It is well-known for the Malayu Kingdom, which once ruled the region and their legacy still lingers throughout the city. In this insider’s guide, we will explore what makes Pekan Baru a unique destination for tourists and provide recommendations for places to visit, local food to try, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions in Pekan Baru

Pekan Baru has a variety of attractions that would appeal to tourists looking to learn about the city’s rich history and culture. One of the most popular is the An-Nur Great Mosque. This mosque is one of the biggest in Indonesia and features a beautiful architecture. Another attractive site is Pekanbaru Mall, one of the biggest shopping centers in the city with many retail shops and a movie theater.

Other notable landmarks include Pekan Raya, a large park in the center of the city. Here, visitors can explore traditional markets, see live music shows, and enjoy delicious street food.

Cuisine in Pekan Baru

Local cuisine in Pekan Baru is diverse and ranges from street food such as Mie Sagu, which is a noodles dish made from sago flour, to upscale dining options. Being a coastal city, fresh seafood is commonly available, and locals also enjoy Rendang, a spicy meat dish.

One of the best places to try local cuisine is the Pasar Wisata Kuliner, located on Jalan Sudirman in Cinta Raja. Here, street food vendors offer an array of dishes, snacks and sweets, such as Lempeng Pisang, a type of banana pancake. Other popular local eateries include Bebek Bengil, which serves locally-sourced grilled Duck, and Royal Bengkulu Seafood Restaurant, which is recognized for seafood dishes that include Ikan Bakar and Ikan Bakar Kecap.

Cultural Experiences in Pekan Baru

The cultural experiences in Pekan Baru are diverse due to its Malayu roots and the harmony it has developed with Chinese and Javanese cultures. Visitors should consider a visit to the Museum Sang Nila Utama to learn about the Malayu Kingdom and its cultural significance.

Another cultural experience that is unique to Pekan Baru is the Talempong performance. Talempong is a traditional percussion ensemble played in Malayu communities. It includes Gendang, a type of drum, and keseran which is a metallophone. The performance is lively and enjoyable, and visitors can participate in the performance by dressing in traditional Malaysian clothes.

Local History in Pekan Baru

Pekan Baru has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century when the city was known as Siak Sri Indrapura. In the early 19th century, it came under the control of the Dutch, who used the city as a hub in their trading network.

It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that Pekan Baru began to grow rapidly, as oil was discovered in the region. The city has since become an economic center, and tourists come to experience its vibrant atmosphere.

Off the Beaten Path Suggestions in Pekan Baru

One of the best ways to experience Pekan Baru is to explore the countryside. The city’s surroundings are filled with lush forests, plantations and scenic views. One popular destination for visitors is the Gunung Palung National Park, located just outside of the city. The park is home to thousands of plant species and a variety of wildlife, including orangutans.

Another off the beaten path destination is Pulau Padang. This island is located near the coast of Pekan Baru and is an excellent getaway for those who crave a relaxing vacation vibe. It features white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere.

Conclusion

Pekan Baru is a city full of interesting attractions and unique experiences for tourists. From the local cuisine, rich history, and cultural diversity, there is always something extraordinary to see or do. With this guide, you’re now primed to discover the beauty of Pekan Baru, whether you’re interested in local food, history, culture or adventures.