Free Riau Movement

Gerakan Riau Merdeka
Gerakan Riau Merdeka
Leader	Tabrani Rab (until 2022)
Founded	15 March 1999
Headquarters	Pekanbaru, Riau
Ideology	Riau independence
Religion	Islam
Party flag
	Politics of Indonesia; Political parties; Elections;
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The Free Riau Movement^[1] (Indonesian: Gerakan Riau Merdeka) or Riau Independence Movement, is a political movement in the province of Riau, Indonesia. It advocates for the independence of Riau from Indonesia, emphasizing local nationalism and self-determination. The movement was initiated by Tabrani Rab and officially declared on 15 March 1999.^[2] Despite challenges, GRM continues to operate, with its headquarters in Pekanbaru, Riau. The ideology of the movement is rooted in Riau nationalism, reflecting a long-standing sentiment among certain groups in the region.^[3]

The movement's activities have been primarily concentrated in the Riau and Riau Islands. GRM has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the local population, particularly in terms of managing and benefiting from the region's rich natural resources. The movement has also been involved in various forms of social activism and has had a significant impact on the regional political discourse.^[4] This movement resurfaced in 2025, former state intelligence Sri Radjasa Chandra revealed information regarding a secret meeting, discussing the discourse of the movement to Riau independence held by a number of supporters of former Indonesian president's Joko Widodo.^[5]

References

^ Jones, Tod (2013). Culture, Power, and Authoritarianism in the Indonesian State: Cultural Policy Across the Twentieth Century to the Reform Era. Brill. p. 231.
^ "Studi munculnya gerakan Riau Merdeka (1998–2001)". Universitas Gadjah Mada. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
^ Colombijn, Freek (2003). When there is nothing to imagine: Nationalism in Riau. Brill. pp. 333–370. ISBN 978-90-04-48682-9.
^ "Anatomi Gerakan Sosial di Riau: Refleksi Atas Dinamika Perlawanan Masyarakat Riau Terhadap Negara 1998–2001". Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
^ Alfian, Ahmad (2025-08-10). "Pendukung Jokowi Rapat Gelap Bahas Gerakan Riau Merdeka" [Jokowi Supporters Hold Secret Meeting to Discuss Free Riau Movement]. rmol.id (in Indonesian). RMOL. Retrieved 2025-08-13.

[1] Jones, Tod (2013). Culture, Power, and Authoritarianism in the Indonesian State: Cultural Policy Across the Twentieth Century to the Reform Era. Brill. p. 231.

[UGM-2] "Studi munculnya gerakan Riau Merdeka (1998–2001)". Universitas Gadjah Mada. Retrieved 27 December 2023.

[Brill-3] Colombijn, Freek (2003). When there is nothing to imagine: Nationalism in Riau. Brill. pp. 333–370. ISBN 978-90-04-48682-9.

[UIN-4] "Anatomi Gerakan Sosial di Riau: Refleksi Atas Dinamika Perlawanan Masyarakat Riau Terhadap Negara 1998–2001". Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau. Retrieved 27 December 2023.

[5] Alfian, Ahmad (2025-08-10). "Pendukung Jokowi Rapat Gelap Bahas Gerakan Riau Merdeka" [Jokowi Supporters Hold Secret Meeting to Discuss Free Riau Movement]. rmol.id (in Indonesian). RMOL. Retrieved 2025-08-13.

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