Batam draws migrants seeking better life<\/p>\n
By Romyanah<\/p>\n
BATAM (Antara): As the Pelni ship cast anchor along the quay,
\nmore than one thousand passengers disembarked at Sekupang harbor
\non Batam island. For many of them, it was their first visit and
\nthey were placing great hopes for a better life there.<\/p>\n
Kasiman and his wife were among the group and came from a
\nvillage in East Java. The couple -- who seemed ill-at-ease in
\ntheir new surroundings -- had heard about Batam from former
\nneighboring villagers now residing in the Batam area.<\/p>\n
Pressured by their poor economic status, they were forced to
\nleave their children at home but were determined to earn money in
\nBatam even though they did not have adequate employment skills.<\/p>\n
\"We have come here because a friend invited us. He works as an
\nojek (motorcycle taxi) driver in a residential area. He has
\noffered us lodgings for the time being,\" said Kasiman.<\/p>\n
Two decades ago, Batam was a relatively unknown and
\ninsignificant island. After its development as an industrial,
\ntrading, trans-shipment and tourism area, its image was
\ntransformed and now is like a young lady enchanting every
\nvisitor.<\/p>\n
As an area experiencing rapid economic growth, Batam is an
\ncompelling destination for many people. In 1998, non-oil exports
\nfrom the island's industrial estates reached a surplus of US$1.1
\nmillion, a growth of over 4.5 percent from the previous year.<\/p>\n
As the administrator for development in the area, the Batam
\nAuthority announced that the cumulative value of foreign
\ninvestment until Dec. 15 amounted to US$2.2 billion in 329
\nprojects. Local investment up to that date totaled Rp 2.3
\ntrillion in 135 projects.<\/p>\n
During 1997, the value of foreign investment was US$148
\nmillion for 39 projects and up to October 1998 it reached US$93
\nmillion for 48 projects.<\/p>\n
However, behind the success, a number of social problems lurk.
\nThe migration level from various regions in Indonesia to Batam
\nduring 1998 was 35 percent. This figure exceeded the average
\ngrowth rate of 17 percent a year.<\/p>\n
In the previous two years it is estimated that 200,000
\nmigrants flocked to Batam. The majority of them lacked adequate
\nemployment skills.<\/p>\n
Batam mayor R.A. Aziz said that the rapid migration rate will
\noverextend the available facilities. Already, the impact of an
\nincreased population has led to an influx of illegal housing
\nconstruction, overcrowded roadside trader presence and other
\ncrimes.<\/p>\n
He estimated that currently Batam has a population of 500,000,
\nof which 300,000 people are registered. Bantam's capacity -- in
\naccordance with the Batam Authority Master Plan 2006 -- is a
\npopulation of 700,000.<\/p>\n
Both the local government and the Batam Authority face serious
\ndifficulties tackling the over-population problem. An even
\ngreater challenge is coping with the illegal housing boom --
\nsynonymous with disorder, squalidness and criminal activity.<\/p>\n
Approaching the year 2000, Bantam's population is already at
\nnear-saturation point. Adequate infrastructure and other
\nfacilities (such as accommodation) are limited. A different
\nsituation, of course, exists for investors.<\/p>\n
The majority of migrants live anywhere they want. If they have
\nthe courage to enter the jungle, they can easily obtain shelter
\nand set up a settlement. Housing materials remain limited: planks
\nand corrugated iron are the main components.<\/p>\n
The growth of illegal housing has therefore sharply increased.
\nIn 1996 it was estimated that there were 10,000 such dwellings.
\nTwo years later the total was 15,000 illegal structures built in
\nsome 65 locations.<\/p>\n
Batam Authority chairman Ismeth Abdullah admitted that the
\npopulation problem is a complex one that must be faced by Batam
\nif it wishes to fulfill its goal of performing in the same league
\nas Singapore.<\/p>\n
He said that Batam's future development will reveal greater
\nhuman emphasis and will emphasize social development programs.<\/p>\n
The first and most urgent operational program in this arena is
\nfor the Batam Authority and the local government to address the
\nproblem of illegal accommodation. A project, currently underway,
\nis expected to conclude by the end of 1999.<\/p>\n
Cheap houses with low-cost amenities will be offered for rent
\nto illegal dwellers. The Batam Authority, in cooperation with
\nmembers of Real Estate Indonesia, has built thousands of low-cost
\nhouses (both for sale and rent). However, these are still
\ninsufficient to house all illegal tenants.<\/p>\n
In addition, after the Idul Fitri holiday, the number of
\nmigrants to Batam has continued to increase and there is no way
\nto limit them. If fortune smiles on them, they may be successful
\nand return to their villages with money. However, if fortune does
\nnot favor them, they will have to work hard and do anything to
\nsurvive in Batam.<\/p>\n
Batam mayor Aziz said that the migrant issue must be handled
\nin a civilized manner. He likened the situation to a parable
\nwhich is told by the Riau people: to coax a monkey down a coconut
\ntree, it is not necessary to use a strong wind which is capable
\nof leveling the surface of the earth.<\/p>\n
\"The monkey will grip the coconut tree in order not to be
\nblown off by a strong wind. But if the cool east wind blows, the
\nmonkey will become off-guard and fall asleep. Finally he will
\nfall off the tree,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Kasiman, his wife and other migrants will keep coming. They
\nare not concerned by the difficulties faced by the local
\ngovernment and the Batam Authority. The question for them is how
\nto survive, because in their home villages life is very tough.<\/p>\n
The choice of going to Batam is a short-cut measure and they
\nare ready to face any situation that may arise.<\/p>",
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