Prison awaits visitors to Batam

Prison awaits visitors to Batam

BATAM, Riau: Batam authorities are planning to launch a get- tough operation against potential migrants coming to Batam, an official has said.

Under a bylaw issued in 2001, Indonesians visiting Batam without having a clearly defined purpose will be punished with six months in jail or a Rp 5 million fine.

"Starting from Dec. 8, we will improve monitoring at Sekupang port," said Zulkifli on Saturday.

Since the regulation was implemented, thousands of visitors had been sent home to other provinces from Sekupang port.

Zulkifli acknowledged that the decision to get tough was the result of past experience, especially after the Idul Fitri festivities when many would-be job seekers came to Batam from various impoverished parts of the country. --Antara