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