Corruption in Batam

Corruption in Batam

From Republika

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's moves to eradicate
corruption should be given the thumbs up. The President is well-
aware that corruption a serious disease in our society, which
does not discriminate between well-known and ordinary people.

Corruption is rife in Batam, particularly in the property and
real estate businesses. Big and small investors both are getting
ripped off because they are not well-versed with the investment
laws prevailing there, a place where graft and extortion have
become the order of the day.

Enthusiastic investors from Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei
often fall prey to or are manipulated by corrupt officials there.

Batam is one gate through which regional investors can reach
the other parts of Indonesia.

As such, it should be one of the first areas where the
government should seriously work to uproot corruption.

HJ MOHAMAD NOOR MOHAR
Singapore