Police to question Batam mayor

Police to question Batam mayor

BATAM, Riau: Riau Governor Saleh Djasit has given the police permission to question Batam Mayor Nyat Kadir about a casino that has been operating as a legal amusement center on the island.

"The governor approved the questioning of the mayor. We expect the police to do its best to get to the bottom of the case," the deputy governor for administrative affairs, R.A. Aziz, said on Thursday.

He was referring to the legalized operation of a casino in the Tering Bay Resort, which contravenes the nationwide ban on gambling.

Kadir gave PT Dewa Menara Wisata permission in January to legally operate the casino in the Tering Bay Resort. He later revoked the permit after coming under public pressure to enforce the gambling ban indiscriminately.

Kadir said that by allowing the casino to operate, he hoped to eliminate the illegal gambling centers, karaoke clubs and massage parlors that have flourished on the island.

Aziz said that not only should the police question Kadir, they should also raid all gambling centers in Batam.

Riau Police chief Brig. Gen. Deddy S. Komaruddin said earlier that the police planned to question Kadir and Batam Council Speaker Taba Iskandar as witnesses in the case. Officers have already questioned Batam Tourism Agency head Buralimar.

Batam is an industrial island with a fast-growing economy thanks to investment from neighboring Singapore. -- JP