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).