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.