Debate over Natuna

Debate over Natuna

PEKANBARU, Riau: Governor Soeripto criticized members of the
local legislative council Saturday for questioning the
government's policy on the development of Natuna island.

Suripto said that the government must be careful in developing
Natuna due to its obvious complexities and because of the dispute
over the island with Vietnam.

"The development of Natuna island is not simple because it
includes not only the management of natural gas mining but also
the government, the public, the land, security, and community
development," Soeripto said.

Most council members welcomed the government's plan to develop
Natuna, which will include the development of a huge natural gas
project. However, they still question the plan to put the island
under an authority administration, the Antara news agency
reported.

They worry that social problems will emerge in an authority-
type administration, along the lines of what has happened on
Batam island.(imn)