The Institution of Engineers Indonesia (PII) of the Riau region together with all official branch management was appointed in a procession that took place solemnly and lively at Cititel Hotel Pekanbaru. This inauguration is an important momentum in strengthening the synergy between the engineer profession and the local government to encourage development based on sustainable reindustrialization and downstreamization in Riau Province.

Chairperson of the Central PII, Dr.-Ing. Ir. Ilham Akbar Habibie, Mba., Ipu., Authed immediately inaugurated Ir. Ulul Azmi, ST., CST., IPM., ASEAN Eng. As Chairman of the Riau Region PII, as well as inaugurating branch management from various regions. The inaugurated branches include PII Pekanbaru Branch, Siak, Pelalawan, Dumai, Bengkalis, and Rokan Hulu. Meanwhile, the Kampar and Indragiri Hilir branches are still undergoing the periodization of the previous management.

Ir. Ulul Azmi recorded history as Chairman of the Youngest PII in Indonesia since this organization was founded 73 years ago. Its presence reflects the regeneration of new leadership and enthusiasm carried by the young generation of Indonesian engineers.

This event was also attended by the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) of Riau Province, Bengkalis Regent, Deputy Mayor of Pekanbaru, as well as representatives from Regents and Mayors in Riau Province. Also present were elements of tertiary institutions, community leaders, and industrial partners.

In his remarks, the Chairperson of the Central PII, Dr.-Ing. Ir. Ilham Akbar Habibie, MBA., IPU., Emphasized that reindustrialization and downstreaming must be the main stream of regional development in Indonesia, including in Riau Province. According to him, the role of engineers is no longer only technical, but has become part of the national development leadership system.

"Engineers not only build physical infrastructure, but also form future social and economic structures. Reindustrialization and downstreaming will not run without the active role of engineers who understand the system in full, from upstream to downstream. Engineers must be able to provide innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions," Ilham said.

He also emphasized that PII's presence was not only as a professional organization that gathered engineering scholars, but as the moral, intellectual, and cultural power of the nation in directing the direction of national development.

"PII was established not only as a professional forum, but also as a moral and intellectual force of the nation. We want Indonesian engineers not only to excel in technical aspects, but also ethical, visionary, and be able to become leaders of change in various lines of people's lives," he explained.

Ilham expressed his appreciation for the regeneration spirit shown by PII Riau with the election of Ir. Ulul Azmi as the Chairperson of the Youngest Region in Indonesia in the 73 Years History of the founding of PII.

"With the presence of young figures such as Ir. Ulul Azmi, I am sure Riau will be a collaboration model between the engineer profession, government, and the community. This is a symbol that PII not only maintains scientific heritage, but also opens a large space for young energy to work and contribute," he added.

The Governor of Riau represented by the Head of the Riau Province PUPRPKPP Office, Muh. Arief Setiawan, MT., In his speech expressed his appreciation for this inauguration. He called PII as a strategic partner of the government in designing, building and overseeing development oriented to the sustainability and welfare of the community.

"The Riau Provincial Government welcomes this inauguration as a concrete step in strengthening collaboration between the world of ministries and local governments. We believe that development not only requires a budget and policy, but also requires strong technical competencies, technological innovation, and professional integrity. This is where the role of engineers is very important," said Arief.

He added that currently Riau is encouraging various strategic programs such as strengthening infrastructure connectivity, the development of industrial estates, and downstreaming natural resources. For this reason, synergy with PII is needed to ensure planning and implementation runs according to technical and sustainable principles.

Chairman of the Riau Region PII, Ir. Ulul Azmi, in his remarks said that this inauguration was the beginning of real work to strengthen the role of engineers in the community. He emphasized his commitment in encouraging the strengthening of engineers' competencies, involvement in public policy, as well as the development of local technology innovation to support the agenda of regional reindustrialization and downstreamization.

Ulul explained that of the total 12 districts/cities in Riau, 8 active PII branches were formed. While the other four regions namely Rokan Hilir, Indragiri Hulu, Kuantan Singingi, and the Meranti Islands are in the process of forming, and have been included in the PII Riau priority work program to be realized in the next one to two months.

He also said that before this inauguration, on May 23, 2025, PII Riau had held 730 trees planting activities in commemoration of PII's 73rd Anniversary. The activity was carried out at the Kampar Polytechnic Campus and was attended directly by Rocky Gerung National Scholar, PII Kampar management, as well as representatives of branches in Riau.

"The tree planting activity is part of our commitment that engineers are not only responsible for physical development, but also to the sustainability of ecology and environmental awareness," said Ulul.

Ulul also added that as a series of inauguration, the evening will be carried out the night agenda of the Cultured Engineer, a reflective activity that brings together the values ​​of local wisdom with the role of illicine.

"The night of this cultured engineer is a reminder that engineers are also part of the cultural and civilization guards. We not only build buildings and roads, but also care for values, aesthetics, and harmony with the community," he said.

Ending his remarks, Ulul expressed his gratitude to all parties who supported this event.

"We would like to thank the General Chairperson and the Central Board of PII, the Riau Provincial Government, Forkopimda, regional heads, all sponsors, and partners who have become an important part of this big agenda. Let us continue collaboration to make Riau as a province with a strong, tough, and full of value," he concluded, "he concluded.

The series of inauguration events were also filled with strategic discussions with the theme "Riau Engineer and Reindustrialization", Malay Cultural Performances, and Gathering Sessions between Regional and Branch Managements which became the Consolidation Forum for the Preparation of the Work Program for the next five years.

With this inauguration, PII Riau region emphasized that he was a strategic partner of the government and industry in building a formidable, innovative, ethical, and competitive Riau in the era of transformation.