kotamadya (municipality) and capital of Riau propinsi (province), central Sumatra, Indonesia. It is a port on the Siak River and is located about 100 miles (160 km) upstream from the Strait of Malacca. Pekanbaru is a collection centre for agricultural produce from the hinterland, including rubber, tea, and coffee, together with petroleum, bauxite, and gold. Household industries include wood carving, metalwork, basket weaving, and textile production. The city has an airport, and roads link it with Parit, Dumai, Bangkinang, Payakumbuh, and Taluk. The Grand Mosque of Shaykh Burhanuddin and Riau University (founded 1962) are located in Pekanbaru. Pop. (2005) 717,618.