Batam autonomy worries investors

Batam autonomy worries investors

BATAM, Riau: Implementation of regional autonomy on Batam
island is worrying investors from neighboring Singapore.

Like businesspeople from other parts of the world,
Singaporeans have not yet received sufficient information about
the autonomy that Indonesia's central government gave to
regencies one year ago.

Antara reported on Tuesday that the issue of autonomy for
Batam was raised by Singaporean businesspeople every time they
met Indonesian diplomats in the city state.

Singaporeans are major investors on the industrial island.

"Autonomy in Batam has become the main topic at every meeting
between embassy officials and Singaporean businesspeople," an
Indonesian diplomat told Antara.

Autonomy for the regencies and mayoralties has had some
undesirable effects, such as inconsistencies in regulations
issued by the local and central governments.

There have been fears that unless legal certainty and security
are assured, investors will stay away from Batam.