It is an enclave within Kerinci Regency, of which it was formerly part but from which it became administratively separate on 24 June 2008.

The city, whose name means "Penuh River", is also known as Siulak.

[1] At the 2010 Census there were five districts (kecamatan), but three more were added subsequently.

[1] The table also includes the locations of the district administrative centres, the number of villages in each district (totaling 4 urban kelurahan and 65 rural desa), and its post code(s).

(b) except the town of Pasar Sungai Penuh, which has a post code of 37113.