Riau Islands province given green light<\/p>\n
The House of Representatives' special committee for Riau has
\nendorsed the proposal from a number of islands in Riau to form a
\nnew province, the Riau Islands province.<\/p>\n
Committee chairman Handjojo Putro of the Indonesian Democratic
\nParty of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) announced the decision to
\n2,500 Riau islanders gathered inside the House compound on
\nThursday.<\/p>\n
The crowd, sporting traditional costumes, welcomed the
\ndecision they had been waiting for for two years by dancing,
\nhugging each other and shaking hands.<\/p>\n
One of them, Djunaedi, said that the establishment of a
\nseparate province for the islands, that would cover most islands
\nin the current Riau province, would improve the welfare of the
\npeople.<\/p>\n
"We are rich in sea resources, tin and also natural gas in the
\nNatuna islands," he said.<\/p>\n
In addition, industrialized Batam island and the resort island
\nBintan -- both near Singapore -- would add added value to the
\nRiau Islands province.<\/p>\n
The establishment of the province had met strong resistance,
\nespecially from the Riau Legislative Council and governor Saleh
\nDjasit.<\/p>\n
Handjojo was quoted by Antara as explaining that the committee
\nhe chaired had considered recommendations from the Riau council
\nand governor.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, after the committee had taken its decision, he
\nsaid, the council and governor had no alternative but to respect
\nit.<\/p>\n
He added that the House would no longer hold dialogues with
\nthe Riau governor, but would schedule a series of working
\nsessions with Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno, starting
\nFeb. 4, to discuss the legislation for the Riau Islands province.
\n-- JP<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/riau-islands-province-given-green-light-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}