Big hotel allegedly steals water

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The tap water company (PDAM) in Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan, has reported the management of star-rated Hotel Arum Kalimantan to the local police for alleged theft of water over the last three months.

PDAM Banjarmasin Director Zainal Arifin confirmed the report on Thursday by saying that the largest international hotel in the province had used the company's supply by breaking seals and cables that fastened the water gauge.

"The company suffered losses worth hundreds of millions of rupiah, and although the hotel has paid a fine and its bill is cumulative, the complaint lodged with the police has not been withdrawn to allow for further examination," he said.

Meanwhile, a hotel manager, Akhmad Rajuddin, denied the allegation and insisted that the seals had been inadvertently damaged when hotel workers tried to repair clogged water pipes without reporting to PDAM. -- JP