Ecotourism project to go on in Batam

BATAM, Riau: A private company will go ahead with its plan to develop an ecotourism project in the forest area in Matakucing Hill despite recent friction with the Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA).

President of PT Karya Graha Sinar Abadi Netti Herawati said here on Saturday that she was waiting for compensation for damage caused by BIDA security guards to the project.

A number of BIDA security guards damaged facilities that have been developed in the forest area as the ecotourism project was not considered to be in line with BIDA's environmental policy.

She said that she would invite officials from the Directorate of Forestry affairs from the forestry and plantation ministry in Jakarta to take a close look at the project.

She said she has obtained a permit from BIDA and gained support from BIDA Chairman Abdullah Ismet to develop the 194- hectare forest area into an ecotourism site. -- JP