Provincial councillors plan Dutch trip

Provincial councillors plan Dutch trip

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Councillors of the South Kalimantan legislative body are planning
a trip to the Netherlands for talks with a Dutch company the
province might grant a dredging project on Barito River to.

"I heard information about the planned trip to the
Netherlands, and am myself included on the list (of councilors to
attend). But I haven't received any formal invitation," said
Council Speaker H. Mansyah Addryans as quoted by Antara on
Wednesday.

He said Dutch company DETEC invited South Kalimantan Governor
Sjachriel Darham to discuss improving an earlier dredging project
on the Barito River.

The original project, worth US$20 million, aimed to widen the
Barito River's banks so that wide-body ships could use it.

It was conducted by China-based China Harbour Engineering
Company (CHEC), which hired contractor PT Sarana Duta Prima Putra
(SDPP) to do the job.

CHEC's appointment followed a visit by Governor Sjachriel and
several councilors to China. CHEC reportedly paid for the
delegation's trip.

However after CHEC completed the project in September last
year, it turned out SDPP failed to match their work with the
project design. Subsequently, the Barito River's banks are still
to narrow for wide-body ships to enter the river.

Governor Sjachriel is said to be inviting several councillors
again this time to join his meeting with DETEC.

Mansyah said the council had yet to approve the planned trip,
adding he would unlikely go himself because of health reasons.

Critics have questioned the need of the Dutch visit, with some
fearing councillors might use public money for the trip.

"Members of the South Kalimantan council shouldn't go to the
Netherlands, as it might have negative consequences," said Eka of
the Banjarmasin based Student Committee against Oppression
(KOMPAK).