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)