Batam councillors upset over mayoral snub

Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam

Feeling embarrassed and left out, Batam councillors are taking Mayor Nyat Kadir to task over why they were shut out from a presentation by businessman Tomy Winata.

The political rift began when Nyat recently invited all 45 councillors at the Batam municipal council to attend a function held by Tomy, who wishes to develop Rempang Island near Batam into a tourist destination.

After all councillors had received the invitations they were abruptly rescinded by the mayor's office.

The function went ahead as planned on Oct. 22. and regional leaders and executives, except the councillors, attended the presentation at the Batam council buildings.

"We were not involved in the meeting, despite our role as the people's representatives," said Yudi Kurnain, a councillor from the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Councillors have expressed concern about being shut out of the meeting by the mayor and 18 councillors have a requested an official hearing into the matter. Council standing orders say a minimum of five councilors are needed for an inquiry.

Nyat said the invitations to the councillors were canceled due to the limited space at his office. He said he was ready to face councillors in the hearing.

In the presentation, PT Makmur Elok Graha president director Tomy proposed developing tourist resorts and amusement centers on the 16,000-hectare island.

Tomy has been aggressively developing businesses in the region during the past few years, including on Sulawesi and Batam islands.

Tomy came to national attention recently after winning a defamation case against Tempo magazine.