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