Beyond Jakarta and Bali... Aug 10, 2008
In Batam and Bintan wines (priced in Singapore dollars) can be enjoyed in top-end hotels. In Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, wines can be had not only in top hotels, but also from local wine distributors. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
More work needed to meet tourism target Aug 8, 2008
2 million last year," she said. Known as a haven for nightlife entertainment in Southeast Asia, especially for its underground raunchy nightspots and gambling, Jakarta's potential in attracting foreign tourists, especially the young, remains largely untapped. Bali-centric promotional campaigns by the government have also been the subject of criticism by local administrations. Numerous potential tourist destinations, including North Sulawesi, have been left off the radar of Indonesian alternative... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Major cities a haven for shopping malls Aug 8, 2008
The study also concludes that Batam, Manado, Padang, Bandar Lampung, Malang, Banjarmasin, Tasikmalaya, Cimahi and Pontianak are promising markets. "These cities could offer promising prospects in years to come," said LaSalle analyst Anton Sitorus, adding that numerous investors had been eying off the cities to get advantages from operating first in the cities. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Ministers in BI grafts Aug 7, 2008
ROBERT H. Batam, Riau Islands. They must be dismissed from their respective ministries. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
New agreement to let RI students work in Australia on tourist visas Aug 7, 2008
Evans said the system was a major upgrade to the previous one and was now operational at five Indonesian ports: Jakarta, Denpasar, Surabaya, Medan and Batam. The system enables more reliable detection of people of concern and assists in the prevention of people smuggling and irregular migration. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Global commodity prices push up H1 non-oil and gas exports 23.2% Aug 2, 2008
According to the BPS, data on this year's exports and imports cannot be compared with 2007 figures as the BPS has this year incorporated a new calculation system, in which imports received at Indonesia's bonded zones, including Batam and Sabah, are included in imports figures. Indonesia's exports and imports balance of payments (in U.S. dollars). (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Govt awards two local firms with CBM projects Jun 27, 2008
However, a field in Natuna, Riau Islands, operated by PremierOil, sells the commodity to a power plant in Batam at $5 per MMBtu, but fetches $11 per MMBtu for exports via pipeline to Singapore. Liquefied natural gas sold to Japan, Korea and Taiwan from Bontang, East Kalimantan, is priced at between $9 and $10 per MMBtu. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
RI said to lack capability in battle against hazardous waste Jun 24, 2008
He cited PT Asia Pacific Eco Lestari (PT APEL), which imported more than one million tons of contaminated organic materials in 2005 from Singapore to Galang Baru Island in Batam ... "We finally sent the waste back to its country of origin, while the Batam District Court sentenced the director of PT APEL to six months in prison and fined him Rp 150 million (US$16,186)," Dasrul said. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Thousand Islands to be marine tourism hub Jun 17, 2008
He added the forum would consist of regencies with marine tourism potential, such as Raja Ampat in West Papua, Benoa in Bali, Bangka Belitung, Natuna and Sabang in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Nias in North Sumatra, Batam, Bintan and Karimun in Riau and Bunaken and Wakatobi in Sulawesi. Edy said the government and the administration would streamline regulations and reduce bureaucracy to support the development program, as well as set a pollution prevention agenda. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Foreign Minister Yeo to lead grassroots leaders to Karimun Jun 7, 2008
Karimun is an integral part of the Batam, Bintan and Karimun (BBK) Special Economic Zones initiative. It is covered by the Framework Agreement on Economic Cooperation in BBK, which was signed by Singapore and Indonesia in June 2006. (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
Illegal trade of wild animals alarming level Jun 5, 2008
An investigation conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society revealed routes regularly used to smuggle illegal animals through Jakarta, Batam, Singapore and Dumai before being shipped to Malaysia. Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has also been named as a shipment terminal for live and frozen animals to Hong Kong and China. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Soekarno-Hatta airport plans improved services, infrastructure Jun 2, 2008
"After we evaluate the results of the training at Sukarno-Hatta and Bali, we will continue to Batam, Medan and Padang," he said. (lva). (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Tresnawati Prihadi: Stamp spokesperson May 25, 2008
Tresnawati was delighted to greet the visitors from the Sumatran provinces of Padang, Batam, Riau, Medan and Aceh. With her outgoing personality, she answered all questions from the group about the stamp museum. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
S'pore plans to open consulate cum trade office on Batam island May 23, 2008
JAKARTA: Singapore plans to open a consulate cum trade office on the neighbouring Indonesian island of Batam by year's end ... It will also give a further push to the Free Trade Zone of Batam, Bintan and Karimun - jointly developed by Singapore and Indonesia. (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
New envoy for UAE finds everything 'big' May 8, 2008
On his first official day in office Tuesday, he met with 64 Indonesian migrant workers to discuss their work conditions and later in the evening met a local businessman interested in investing in Batam. Wahid said he was committed to making efforts to make better economic ties with the UAE.. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Bintan casino plan waiting for a green light from Jakarta May 5, 2008
Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam. A plan to create a legal gambling zone in the Lagoi integrated exclusive tourist area in Bintan, Riau Islands province, is still awaiting approval from the central government, an official says. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
SBY asks Brunei to invest more in Indonesia Apr 23, 2008
Presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said President Yudhoyono had invited Brunei to invest more in Indonesia, particularly in special economic zones on Batam, Bintan and Karimun islands, as well as in labor-intensive infrastructure projects. "The sultan also invited Indonesia to do more investments in Brunei to benefit both countries," Dino said. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Bandaraya expects loyal fans at BAC Apr 18, 2008
"You know there are around 20,000 workers from Indonesia here. They come not only from Batam, but from Java and Kalimantan. They almost brought the stadium down last year with their shouts during the final," he said. Taufik, who withdrew from this year's tournament reportedly with an injury issue, won last year's event after defeating perennial foe Chen Hong of China in the final. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Sports)
In Indonesia, a morality crusade misplaced Apr 16, 2008
While the government is fighting Internet porn, tens of millions of Indonesian women are forced by poverty and hopelessness into the countless brothels in Surabaya, Batam and Jakarta. Millions of women who are raped or get pregnant out of wedlock are abandoning their infants and children, some of whom are left in the garbage bins or on the street. (Asia Times Online)
RI secures best deal on gas contract to Singapore Apr 16, 2008
As well as the gas export deal, PremierOil also secured a sales agreement with state power firm PLN to supply a power plant in Batam at a price of $5 per MMbtu with a total volume estimated at 40 million cubic feet. To speed up exploration activities in the Gajah Baru field, BPMigas has approved the development plan of another field along with others located in Natuna Block A, Budi said. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
KPK arrests lawmaker for alleged bribery Apr 11, 2008
(ewd/alf) (Fadli contributed to this article from Batam). Post Your Comments. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Woodside $1.5 bln Angel gas platform installed Apr 7, 2008
Woodside said the processing topside for Angel, which weighs 7,500 tonnes, was manufactured in Batam, Indonesia by Malaysian Marine Heavy Engineering Sdn Bhd. The A$20 billion North West Shelf development, Australia's largest LNG project, has a current production capacity of 11. (ABC News -- Wire)
Saipem spends Rp 2.5t for largest fabrication yard in Karimun, Riau Apr 7, 2008
In a bid to lure more foreign investment into the country, the central government is planning to grant Batam Island, Bintan Island and Karimun Island special economic status whereby various business facilities there will benefit from free-trade. Batam is located around 30 minutes from Singapore by ferry. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Man arrested with drugs hidden in his anus Apr 1, 2008
The male suspect was arrested on Sunday at the Singapore Cruise Centre when he arrived from Batam, Indonesia. After a thorough search and interview, the suspect confessed that he had hidden eight bundles of Subutex tablets in his anus. (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
Indonesia crash probe faults pilots Mar 26, 2008
Earlier this month, an Adam Air 737-400 with 175 people on board skidded off the runway in bad weather in Batam. The non-fatal incident prompted a private consortium led by PT to unload its 50 per cent stake in the airline, citing dissatisfaction with its safety performance. (Aljazeera.Net)
Indonesia grounds troubled airline Mar 19, 2008
The decision comes in the wake of financial turmoil at the airline following the latest safety incident when an Adam Air Boeing 737-400 with 175 people on board skidded off the runway in foul weather in Batam last week ... March 10, 2008: Adam Air Boeing 737-400 with 175 people on board skids off runway in bad weather on Batam island, damaging the plane and injuring five people. (Aljazeera.Net)
* Indonesia joins search for escaped Singapore suspect Mar 3, 2008
Some 500 policemen were deployed at entry points to Batam, the closest Indonesian island to Singapore, while wanted notices were displayed at seaports, the airport and on every immigration officer's desk, Batam police chief Colonel Slamet Riyanto said. Security personnel were deployed on jet skis with information on Mas Selamat for residents of the small islands surrounding Batam, said Riau Islands police chief Brigadier General Sutarman, adding that the suspect knows the islands well and can... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Indonesia beefs up security for JI fugitive Mar 1, 2008
Indonesian Police and the immigration office have tightened checks on people coming to Batam island amid speculation fugitive terrorist Mas Selamat bin Kastari, who escaped from a detention center in Singapore, may enter Indonesia via the island. National Police Chief Gen. Sutanto said in Jakarta Friday the police had increased security at some of the country's entry spots, especially Batam, with Indonesia and Singapore working together to capture the fugitive ... In Batam, the island closest to... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Low-cost housing development to increase up to 30 percent Feb 26, 2008
"Demand for low-cost houses has increased, especially in Batam in the Riau islands, Pekan Baru, Semarang and Makassar.". Teguh said the association aimed to build around 130,000 low-cost houses throughout the country this year. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Mobile ULC2 Alliance Launches World's Lowest Cost Smart Entry Phone With Web-Based Messaging Functions at Mobile World Congress Feb 12, 2008
Headquartered in Singapore, Jurong Technologies has a wide manufacturing footprint with seven production facilities in Singapore, Malaysia, China (Suzhou and Tianjin), Indonesia (Batam), Thailand and Brazil (Jaguariuna). It has also established sales and marketing support offices in Singapore and the United States. (PR Newswire)
Soeharto's death Feb 1, 2008
EDWIN Batam, Riau Islands. Soeharto was a dictator. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
PM Lee pays final respects to Suharto in Jakarta Jan 28, 2008
"From that personal trust and relations grew sound cooperative relationship between the two countries. And with the ties between the ministers and officials, we were able to work on a wide range of projects together. The armed forces cooperated together, and we had economic cooperation. The Batam Industrial Park is one example, and the BBIR - the Bintan Beach International Resort as well," said Mr Lee. The Singapore Prime Minister also described the characteristics that made Mr Suharto a great... (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
American nabbed for entering RI illegally Jan 19, 2008
The immigration office said he entered Indonesia through Batam port last August and later went to Jakarta. He was arrested after he and his wife, LH, came to Bogor Immigration Office to make a new passport. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
U.S. gives 15 patrol boats to Indonesia, demands no return Jan 18, 2008
Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam. The United States government delivered 15 patrol boats on Thursday to the National Police in Batam, Riau Islands, as part of a grant from the International Criminal Investigative Assistance Program (ICITAP) ... The ceremony was marked by the signing of a grant agreement between United States Ambassador Cameron Hume and National Police Chief Gen. Sutanto in Batam. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
The Archipelago Jan 17, 2008
Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam ... The zone, which isn't fully implemented yet, is to cover Batam, Bintan and Karimun islands. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Tourism needs a jump start Jan 5, 2008
In Indonesia's major secondary destinations, including Bromo, Malang, Brastagi, Solo, Batam and Tanjung Pinang, there were signs that many of these beautiful places were in the midst of a continuing and long term decline in foreign visitor arrivals ... Here is just one example of the rent seeking that suppresses every part of the tourist industry: Those who visit Batam this New year may have trouble getting their favorite alcoholic drink ... EVAN JONES Batam, Riau Islands. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Trade outlook promising enough, but could be better Dec 27, 2007
Two of the most important, if not actually historic, events were, first, the establishment of Batam, Bintan and Karimun islands as free trade zones (FTZs) in October, with export-oriented businesses being exempted from tax on imported production materials, plus being offerred some other fiscal incentives ... Though the new FTZ has been widely welcomed by investors as indicated by various new investment commitments valued at a minimum of Rp 17 trillion in the first year alone, some concerns... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Greeting neighbors Dec 24, 2007
Of course, a more serious problem is security threats during Christmas, especially after terrorists attacked churches in Jakarta, West Java, East Java, Batam, Riau, and North Sumatra on Christmas eve in 2000. The threat haunts not only those who celebrate Christmas but also Muslims, because in nearly all terror attacks in Indonesia, the perpetrators have claimed to commit their acts in the name of Islam. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
NSW scheme to be rolled out in nine more ports Dec 21, 2007
"So far, it's been successful at Tanjung Priok Port. "And we expect that ten big ports, including Tanjung Priok Port, will be served by the scheme by the end of 2008, at the latest," said Edy Putra Irawadi, a deputy to the coordinating minister for economics, on Thursday. By next April, he said, the government would introduce the system at Belawan Port in North Sumatra, Tanjung Mas in Central Java, Tanjung Perak in East Java, and Makasar Port in South Sulawesi. The extension of the scheme to... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
CIBA Vision launches RM500m hub in Johor Dec 11, 2007
Kehoe said the plant would also complement the companys other Asia-based contact lenses manufacturing plants in Batam, Indonesia and Singapore. He said lenses made in Johor were labelled Made-in-Malaysia (MiM) and would be exported to more than 70 countries worldwide. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
A Polish `orang laut' traveling the world of fiction Dec 2, 2007
Among those are the crazy Dutch settler Almayer, the raja laut (king of the sea), Tom Lingard, Bornean sultans, Arab traders or the many lost souls stranded in the harbors of Surabaya and Batam. "What was wrong with the world, according to Conrad, was that it was run by people miles away who were only concerned about stocks and shares. Whilst the real world, according to him, was one of men on board boats, dealing with other men, sultans and warriors. One was real business and the other a... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Regions told to get serious in HIV/AIDS fight Dec 1, 2007
Sugiri said there were only two regional administrations -- Batam mayoralty in Riau Islands province and Papua province -- that had bylaws encouraging residents to use condoms. He added that even though there were some success stories in the reduction of new patient numbers in countries like Thailand and those in Africa, it was difficult for the BKKBN to follow in their tracks. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Teachers and SBY Nov 28, 2007
When I had a stopover in Singapore, taking a ferry to Batam to see friends and going back to Singapore to fly to Bali, I had to pay two times for an entry visa although the first visa is supposed to be valid for one month. EDI REY Schaffhausen, Switzerland. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
PGN in talks to buy gas from ConocoPhillips Nov 28, 2007
Sutikno said the company planned to sell the gas to a Batam power company, which was currently suffering a gas deficit of 40 million cubic feet per day ... Under the plan, the gas from ConocoPhillips' gas field in Grissik would be transmitted via a 470-kilometer pipeline across Batam. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Man wanted in SoCal slaying captured in Indonesia Nov 21, 2007
David Lam, 54, was arrested Saturday on Batam Island by Indonesian police at the FBI's request, officials said Tuesday. He was charged with murder two years ago after Los Angeles County sheriff's officials discovered the body of his wife, Susan, in a shallow grave in the backyard of their Rowland Heights home, the FBI said. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Man Wanted In Wife's Death Arrested In Indonesia Nov 21, 2007
Lam was arrested on Batam Island, Indonesia, on Saturday, said Laura Eimiller of the FBI.. He was returned by the FBI's legal attache stationed in Jakarta. (CBS2.com, CA)
Gambling bylaw Nov 20, 2007
Gambling should be allowed on small islands like Batam and Bintan. There is a lot of illegal gambling all over the country and legal venues would decrease the number of law breakers. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Abidin: Assembling enterprise in Batam Nov 8, 2007
Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam ... That has been the philosophy long followed by entrepreneur Abidin, the president director of electronics assembly company PT Sat Nusapersada, the biggest business of its type in Batam ... This electronic assembly company on Batam island is believed to be the first company in Indonesia that has moved into the field of electronic assembly and which will soon go public. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Prize money great motivator Nov 7, 2007
"It would be great to see more Indonesians taking up this sport. I have been competing since 1992 in triathlons in Madura, Lampung, Batam and the early Lombok races. In the early years there were hundreds of Indonesians competing but things have dropped off in the past few years," Kardiman said. He adds that the reduction in participation may be due to the costs of undertaking competition compared to the available prize money. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
N. Jakarta struggles with human trafficking Nov 2, 2007
Yeremias Wutan from the International Organization for Migration said Jakarta, Batam, Tanjung Balai Karit and Tanjung Pinang were common destinations and transit points for trafficked women ... Over the past two years, ACTs has worked with several other non-governmental organizations to assist more than 100 girls under the age of 18 years who had been forced to work as prostitutes in areas such as Pontianak in West Kalimantan, Medan in North Sumatra, Batam in Riau, Semarang in Central Java,... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
RI hopes Panasonic to produce LCD panels Nov 2, 2007
Fahmi said that Matsushita closed its cathode ray tube (CRT) factory amid the declining demand for conventional TVs from overseas buyers, while Panasonic Electronic Devices Indonesia (PEDI) had shut its loudspeaker plant and relocated production to Batam. However, Fahmi said that Panasonic still had production facilities in Indonesia, including its lithium battery factory, which was currently expanding production. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
* Batam amphetamine lab raided Oct 30, 2007
Batam amphetamine lab raided ... Taiwanese, Indonesian and US authorities raided an amphetamine production facility on Indonesia's Batam Island on Oct. 20, seizing nearly 600kg of amphetamines with a street value of approximately US$45 million ... The Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau (MJIB) said in a statement yesterday that authorities from Taiwan and Indonesia had arrested three Taiwanese and three Indonesians in an apartment on Batam Island before seizing the drugs, the biggest find... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Organic farming comes to Batam Oct 30, 2007
Warief Djajanto Basorie, Contributor, Batam ... Rusmin and four other farmers on Batam island are part of a trial project in the use of the compost, organic fertilizer made from land waste ... Batam is known as a growing free trade zone with 25 industrial parks on the island, the largest being Batamindo Park at more than 400 hectares. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Batam hosts sailing c'ship Oct 29, 2007
BATAM, Riau: Batam is hosting the 2007 ASEAN Open Optimist Sailing Championship, which features six countries from the region. Indonesian Sailing Association chairman Djoko Pramono said Saturday that 50 athletes would compete in the event, which kicked off Sunday and will end Friday. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Sports)
Photographer helps needy children get an education Oct 28, 2007
"I took the photos in Bali, Yogyakarta, Batam and other provinces. Most were taken on the outskirts of cities.". Darwis said he chose the theme humans and the nature of Indonesia because the country has diverse, beautiful and touching elements. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Taxes, labor laws cited as problems Oct 27, 2007
Earlier this month, the government issued three government regulations to make the entire area of Batam island and parts of Bintan and Karimun islands a free trade zone, in which all import tariffs, value added taxes, luxury good taxes and excise duties can be eliminated. The council's director for Indonesian affairs, Christopher Anderson, said during the five-day visit here, four companies including Ford, Caterpillar, power company AES Agriverde and International Paper had indicated their... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Indonesia gets emergencyfree trade zones Oct 25, 2007
His government fast-tracked the policy for the island of Batam, the ... The government also plans to establish 11 more special economic zones (SEZ) across the country, using Batam, Bintan and Karimun as prototypes ... Batam has enjoyed limited FTZ status since 1978, entailing investment incentives that included exemption from import duties and income and value-added taxes for all export-oriented industries. (Asia Times Online)
Customs grounds 6 Garuda planes Oct 25, 2007
Flights to Batam, Surabaya, Padang and Denpasar were also delayed up to three and half hours. Herry said the groundings forced the airline to reschedule all its flights. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
* World News Quick Take Oct 24, 2007
The drugs were destined for markets in Taiwan and China, said Major General Sisno Adiwinoto, adding that the bust at the weekend was made with help from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia and the US. At least 568kg of the drug were seized on Batam Island, together with several tons of raw drug-making chemicals, he said. Those arrested will be charged with violating drug laws -- a crime that carries a maximum penalty of death, he said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
New bills leave Batam Authority's future in doubt Oct 22, 2007
Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam. Set up under former president Soeharto back in the 1970s to help speed up the development of industrial complexes on Batam Island in Riau Islands province, the Batam Authority body is now at a crossroads ... The government also released a new regulation on free ports and trade areas in Batam this year. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Surabaya to host regional investment promotion expo Oct 22, 2007
This year's first regional expo was held last month in Batam. "Invitations have not only been sent to local and overseas companies, but also to foreign business chambers as far away as Brazil -- who have by the way confirmed their participation," Darmawan told The Jakarta Post recently. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
TNT moves to meet growing demand Oct 18, 2007
TNT Express Indonesia, which opened in 1979, now has more than 17 branch offices, 14 agents and 600 staff members, and six main gateways: Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Balikpapan, Medan and Batam. (JP/Astrid Wibisono). (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Germany's Epcos investing $10 million in Batam Oct 16, 2007
BATAM (Antara): Germany-based electronics componentmanufacturer Electronics Parts and Components (Epcos) has invested US$10 million in THE Panbil industrial zone here. Epcos had decided to do business in Batam as the industrialized island had a competitive edge, Epcos supervisory board chairman Klaus Ziegler said Monday ... Epcos Indonesia will begin producing car heating and cooling systems in June 2008, said Ziegler who claimed he had known Batam for the past 18 years. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
India's key stock index hits 19,000 points Oct 16, 2007
The Jakarta Post - Germany's Epcos investing $10 million in Batam ... Germany's Epcos investing $10 million in Batam ... BATAM (Antara): Germany-based electronics componentmanufacturer Electronics Parts and Components (Epcos) has invested US$10 million in THE Panbil industrial zone here. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
How Soeharto 'tops the list Oct 10, 2007
Batam eyes bright future Oct. 8, p. 8 ... Yes, Batam is famous for nightlife like strip shows ... I don't think Malaysia and Singapore will hang in Batam again. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
