Translated from BatamPos
Monday, April 13, 2009
KARIMUN (BP) - The Department of Labor (Disnaker) Karimun Regency, Drs Syafri Salisman admitted his concern about the low skills of the local workforce (naker). Unfortunately, the opportunity to fill the jobs available cannot be achieved.
"I will admit it if our local workers' skills are still low. So, not surprisingly, if the job opportunities are taken by workers from outside the region, " said Syafri, last Saturday (11th April 2009) .
Regarding the statement made by Syafri, comments by dpc Chairman of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers Sartikat (K-SPSI) Karimun Regency, Hanis Jasni. Hanis firmly stated that 5,000 jobs promised for local workforce when PT Saipem opened, will not be realized. The issue is that the Karimun workforce cannot reach the numbers required.
Syafri add, he himself is unsure of the 8000 unemployed in the figures in the Karimun census. "From some of the data obtained, unemployment in the Karimun is only around 4000 persons." said Syafri.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Promise to promote Karimun Island to Singapore Investors
Indonesian ambassador to Singapore Wardana, promise to promote Karimun island to potential Singaporean investors. "In order to promote the potential of Karimun we are here to see it for ourselves.", he said during a launch during the three-day visit to Karimun, recently (12th April 2009).
Moreover ambassador Wardana said that the investment opportunities are huge, now that Karimun is confirmed as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ). This is also an advantage with the close proximity to Singapore. Ambassador Wardana said the areas that will be reviewed will be the potential of the agriculture, tourism and maritime industries. "We will hold talks with stakeholders in Karimun, and later we will hear and see the existing conditions for ourselves." He said specifically.
Meanwhile, Karimun Regent Nurdin Basirun said, Karimun will be introduced to the outside world, particularly Singapore. That is why we invited the ambassador to view the potential of Karimun region.
Moreover ambassador Wardana said that the investment opportunities are huge, now that Karimun is confirmed as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ). This is also an advantage with the close proximity to Singapore. Ambassador Wardana said the areas that will be reviewed will be the potential of the agriculture, tourism and maritime industries. "We will hold talks with stakeholders in Karimun, and later we will hear and see the existing conditions for ourselves." He said specifically.
Meanwhile, Karimun Regent Nurdin Basirun said, Karimun will be introduced to the outside world, particularly Singapore. That is why we invited the ambassador to view the potential of Karimun region.
Still Living like kings?
Tanjung Balai is famous (or infamous) for it's sex tourism like it's cousin, Batam. This industry took off when gambling was booming in Batam and Karimun island and drew lots of tourist from Singapore and Malaysia. With gambling, prostitution expanded too.
In 1995 General Sutanto was chosen as the head of Indonesian National Police force and he closed down all illegal gambling. This had a dramatic effect on the sex industry but it still remains as one of the major draw for tourism to Tanjung Balai.
The current world economic slowdown has affected the flow of tourism to Tg Balai. The visitors from Singapore and Malaysia is much less now compared to one or two years ago. Hotels in Tanjung Balai are definitely feeling the effect.
In 1995 General Sutanto was chosen as the head of Indonesian National Police force and he closed down all illegal gambling. This had a dramatic effect on the sex industry but it still remains as one of the major draw for tourism to Tanjung Balai.
The current world economic slowdown has affected the flow of tourism to Tg Balai. The visitors from Singapore and Malaysia is much less now compared to one or two years ago. Hotels in Tanjung Balai are definitely feeling the effect.
Electricity Supply crisis
Karimun Island has been experiencing an electricity supply crisis for over 4 years. Rolling blackouts are a nightly affair and things are not getting better. Most hotels have to use their onsite power generator (genset)to get by. This is not a good sign for FTZ investors which requires a reliable source of electricity.
For the residents of Tg. Balai, the main town of Karimun Island, it is a huge disruption on their lives. Most businesses that open at night like hotels, nightclubs, ktvs, restaurants, shops need to run their gensets in order to survive.
The average length of the rolling blackout is around 4-6 hours. They mostly happen at night when the usage rises. PLN (the electric supplier) will shut down supply to areas on a rotational basis. The locals will say "mati lampu" (lights out or blackout) when this happen.
Most home owners will not have gensets and have to rely on battery powered backup lamps. So this means that TVs, PCs and sound systems will not be operational. Another problem that arises from the blackouts is that when the power comes back on, the voltage is not stable and a lot of electrical devices have been damaged by power surges.
Some hotels have better gensets than others. The good ones will kick in almost immediately, whereas others may take a few minutes to start up. The authorities really have to do something about this problem if they want Karimun Island to progress.
For the residents of Tg. Balai, the main town of Karimun Island, it is a huge disruption on their lives. Most businesses that open at night like hotels, nightclubs, ktvs, restaurants, shops need to run their gensets in order to survive.
The average length of the rolling blackout is around 4-6 hours. They mostly happen at night when the usage rises. PLN (the electric supplier) will shut down supply to areas on a rotational basis. The locals will say "mati lampu" (lights out or blackout) when this happen.
Most home owners will not have gensets and have to rely on battery powered backup lamps. So this means that TVs, PCs and sound systems will not be operational. Another problem that arises from the blackouts is that when the power comes back on, the voltage is not stable and a lot of electrical devices have been damaged by power surges.
Some hotels have better gensets than others. The good ones will kick in almost immediately, whereas others may take a few minutes to start up. The authorities really have to do something about this problem if they want Karimun Island to progress.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
News - PT Saipem spends Rp 2.5t rupiah for largest fabrication yard in Karimun, Riau
PT Saipem is investing heavily into Karimun island.
Fadli
The Jakarta Post
Tanjung Balai Karimun
Mon, 04/07/2008 11:16 AM
Italian-based turnkey oil and gas contractor Saipem International has begun construction of a massive fabrication yard in Karimun, Riau Islands, with a total project investment of Rp 2.5 trillion (US$271 million).
During the launch ceremony of the ground-breaking facility Friday, Saipem offshore general manager Yves Inbona told the press the yard would be the company's largest production facility of its kind.
Occupying some 140 hectares of land, the facility would have a production capacity of 30,000 tons of oil and gas related components.
"The production facility will be one of the company's largest. Products from here will be allocated for demands in Indonesia as well as for neighboring areas," said Inbona, adding the company expected the facility to start operations in 2010.
He said Karimun Island was chosen to house the facility due to its free-trade zone status.
The company, which plans to employ 5,000 workers, has requested local administration improve business infrastructure on Karimun, including highways, power capacity and ports to help boost the operation's efficiency.
Riau Islands governor Ismeth Abdullah said the project signaled the revival of foreign direct investments in the province.
In a bid to lure more foreign investment into the country, the central government is planning to grant Batam Island, Bintan Island and Karimun Island special economic status whereby various business facilities there will benefit from free-trade.
Batam is located around 30 minutes from Singapore by ferry.
Ismeth said the administration decided to make Karimun Island a center for maritime business due to its deep water access that can accommodate large vessels, making it ideal to serve as a shipyard and offshore production facility.
"We are confident more and more international companies will come to Karimun to construct production facilities, especially those related to maritime and offshore businesses," he said.
Fadli
The Jakarta Post
Tanjung Balai Karimun
Mon, 04/07/2008 11:16 AM
Italian-based turnkey oil and gas contractor Saipem International has begun construction of a massive fabrication yard in Karimun, Riau Islands, with a total project investment of Rp 2.5 trillion (US$271 million).
During the launch ceremony of the ground-breaking facility Friday, Saipem offshore general manager Yves Inbona told the press the yard would be the company's largest production facility of its kind.
Occupying some 140 hectares of land, the facility would have a production capacity of 30,000 tons of oil and gas related components.
"The production facility will be one of the company's largest. Products from here will be allocated for demands in Indonesia as well as for neighboring areas," said Inbona, adding the company expected the facility to start operations in 2010.
He said Karimun Island was chosen to house the facility due to its free-trade zone status.
The company, which plans to employ 5,000 workers, has requested local administration improve business infrastructure on Karimun, including highways, power capacity and ports to help boost the operation's efficiency.
Riau Islands governor Ismeth Abdullah said the project signaled the revival of foreign direct investments in the province.
In a bid to lure more foreign investment into the country, the central government is planning to grant Batam Island, Bintan Island and Karimun Island special economic status whereby various business facilities there will benefit from free-trade.
Batam is located around 30 minutes from Singapore by ferry.
Ismeth said the administration decided to make Karimun Island a center for maritime business due to its deep water access that can accommodate large vessels, making it ideal to serve as a shipyard and offshore production facility.
"We are confident more and more international companies will come to Karimun to construct production facilities, especially those related to maritime and offshore businesses," he said.
Friday, April 10, 2009
News - Dozens of houses smashed by mini tornadoes
Belasan Rumah Dihantam Angin Puting Beliung
Translation from above:
Residents in the vicinity of Bukit Tiung, Tanjungbalai Karimun District, at around 09.30 WIB was shocked by the onset of mini tornadoes on Monday 6th April 2009.
As a result, dozens of homes, especially those located near the Chinese cemetery was damaged by the heavy wind.
"My kitchen was not spared from the tornado. In my neighbourhood, around 12 homes were damaged’ said owner of RT 02/ RW 07, Fachrurozi, yesterday.
The wind also damaged two other buildings, namely the hostel of Marga Yeo and Ngiap E pagoda which is located on the top of the Chinese cemetery.
"From dozens of homes affected by the tornado, one home was severely damaged. That is, the house owned by Day. Fortunately, the house was empty. Just one day before the owner moved to a new place, "he said.
A local resident, Sukoyo said that when the incident happened, he was outside the house and saw a cloud of wind coming from the South or the sea from Puakang
When he saw the wind, Sukoyo shouted for the people to get out of the houses. This was to prevent the loss of life. But, the roof of the building of houses were damaged by the tornado"he said.
Tumidan, a Tiung Hill resident said, it's been a very long time since this region has been affected by tornadoes. Dozen years ago or around 1992 tornadoes damage the building in this area.
Translation from above:
Residents in the vicinity of Bukit Tiung, Tanjungbalai Karimun District, at around 09.30 WIB was shocked by the onset of mini tornadoes on Monday 6th April 2009.
As a result, dozens of homes, especially those located near the Chinese cemetery was damaged by the heavy wind.
"My kitchen was not spared from the tornado. In my neighbourhood, around 12 homes were damaged’ said owner of RT 02/ RW 07, Fachrurozi, yesterday.
The wind also damaged two other buildings, namely the hostel of Marga Yeo and Ngiap E pagoda which is located on the top of the Chinese cemetery.
"From dozens of homes affected by the tornado, one home was severely damaged. That is, the house owned by Day. Fortunately, the house was empty. Just one day before the owner moved to a new place, "he said.
A local resident, Sukoyo said that when the incident happened, he was outside the house and saw a cloud of wind coming from the South or the sea from Puakang
When he saw the wind, Sukoyo shouted for the people to get out of the houses. This was to prevent the loss of life. But, the roof of the building of houses were damaged by the tornado"he said.
Tumidan, a Tiung Hill resident said, it's been a very long time since this region has been affected by tornadoes. Dozen years ago or around 1992 tornadoes damage the building in this area.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Pemilu - Election
Today the national election is being held. You will notice that the whole island is plastered with posters and banners. The authorities have ordered some businesses to close down to "facilitate" the smooth running of the election.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Money - Rupiah
Called uang. The local curency is the Rupiah. I normally change most of my rupiahs in Balai itself. Better exchange rate. There is an exchange right in the immigration centre just after custom check. There are a few money changers around town too.
I don't suggest using credit cards there. It cost a lot and I don't feel safe using it. Lots of story about cc fraud.
Always have lots of 5k & 10k notes around. Great for tips for the hotel staff. If you go to balai 4 the first time, the chaps in the immigration counter may try to bully you for some uang kopi (bribe). They will normally point to some Singapore or Malaysia $10 notes on their desk, hoping for the same. Just drop a 10k note there casually. DON'T do this after your first trip. Once you have a balai chop on your passport, you are a veteran:)
Some hotels in balai quote Sing dollar as the room rate. If you have Singapore notes, keep them for the hotel bill. It's cheaper. Otherwise they will convert it to rupiah at an exorbitant rate.
The minimum wage for the Karimun regency is around 900k rph per month. So it is not a lot. Somehow, they get by. That's why the tips are much appreciated.
I don't suggest using credit cards there. It cost a lot and I don't feel safe using it. Lots of story about cc fraud.
Always have lots of 5k & 10k notes around. Great for tips for the hotel staff. If you go to balai 4 the first time, the chaps in the immigration counter may try to bully you for some uang kopi (bribe). They will normally point to some Singapore or Malaysia $10 notes on their desk, hoping for the same. Just drop a 10k note there casually. DON'T do this after your first trip. Once you have a balai chop on your passport, you are a veteran:)
Some hotels in balai quote Sing dollar as the room rate. If you have Singapore notes, keep them for the hotel bill. It's cheaper. Otherwise they will convert it to rupiah at an exorbitant rate.
The minimum wage for the Karimun regency is around 900k rph per month. So it is not a lot. Somehow, they get by. That's why the tips are much appreciated.
Safety
Tanjung Balai looks like a dangerous place at first. When you first exit the harbour, you will be mobbed by the taxi touts and it can be scary. They can get quite aggressive. If you dont intend to use them, just ignore them with contempt. It's all in the body language. To avoid any problems with taxi drivers, always agree on the price and services first. Normally hiring the taxi for a short trip around town is 30k rupiah. An ojek ride is 10k.
You will also notice people staring at you if you are a foreigner. Regardless of whether you are a westerner, Singaporean or Malaysia, the locals will know and stare at you. Again, ignore them. Most of the people staring at you are unemployed and bored, not criminals looking to rob you.
Generally there is very little crime against visitors. Just do the normal safe things like not be conspicuous with lots of money. I always carry and use a money clip with just a few 50k rupiah notes and small change. I do not use my wallet which may contain millions of rupiah. Leave your wallet and passport at the hotel or room safe. Don't worry if the polisi ask for ID. Just say that it is with the Hotel. You are required to surrender your passport to the hotel when you check in anyway.
There are lots of stories online about how dangerous balai can be. However I have not felt threatened. The only time I was a little worried was in my dealings with the polisi. Some bad apples will always look for ways to "cari makan" (earn a bit on the side). That is another story altogether.
Sometimes, visitors who are showy will get a bit loud and become assholes. Then they attract trouble for themselves and their companions. Just be cool and polite. Let the little things pass by. If someone overcharge you 5k rupiah for something, let it go and just don't go there anymore.
For bigger issues, it is who you know that will matter. So always try to be friendly to the locals like the hotel manager, etc. Don't bother with the hanger ons... They just want a free ride.
If you go to places like the disco and KTV, try to get a local guy to with you first. A bit of safety and orientation is needed to know the dos and donts. Get to know the locals. It helps.. You then have to decide how helpful and trustworthy they are.
Don't wear expensive watches and jewelry. Leave them in your room safe.
You will also notice people staring at you if you are a foreigner. Regardless of whether you are a westerner, Singaporean or Malaysia, the locals will know and stare at you. Again, ignore them. Most of the people staring at you are unemployed and bored, not criminals looking to rob you.
Generally there is very little crime against visitors. Just do the normal safe things like not be conspicuous with lots of money. I always carry and use a money clip with just a few 50k rupiah notes and small change. I do not use my wallet which may contain millions of rupiah. Leave your wallet and passport at the hotel or room safe. Don't worry if the polisi ask for ID. Just say that it is with the Hotel. You are required to surrender your passport to the hotel when you check in anyway.
There are lots of stories online about how dangerous balai can be. However I have not felt threatened. The only time I was a little worried was in my dealings with the polisi. Some bad apples will always look for ways to "cari makan" (earn a bit on the side). That is another story altogether.
Sometimes, visitors who are showy will get a bit loud and become assholes. Then they attract trouble for themselves and their companions. Just be cool and polite. Let the little things pass by. If someone overcharge you 5k rupiah for something, let it go and just don't go there anymore.
For bigger issues, it is who you know that will matter. So always try to be friendly to the locals like the hotel manager, etc. Don't bother with the hanger ons... They just want a free ride.
If you go to places like the disco and KTV, try to get a local guy to with you first. A bit of safety and orientation is needed to know the dos and donts. Get to know the locals. It helps.. You then have to decide how helpful and trustworthy they are.
Don't wear expensive watches and jewelry. Leave them in your room safe.
Language
The indonesian language is very similar to Malaysian Malay. However there are distinct differences. Here are some translated words to help you along:
Motor - Motorcycles
Mobil - (pronounced mobeel), cars
Supir - driver. Can also mean to drive
Santai - relax
Sarapan - breakfast
Makan siang - lunch
Makan malam - dinner
Roomboy - Bellboy and the guys that you call for room service
Ojek - motorbikes that acts as personal taxi. Also to mean the bike driver. Just call ojek on any street and someone should respond to you to bring you around balai.
Balai - short name for tanjung balai.
kantor - office room
hp - pronounced ha-pay. Handphone
Pulsa - handphone credit or top up.
Pelabuhan - port
Wisma - cheap hotels. normally with common bathroom.
Capet - (pronounced cha pet) tired
Lantai - floor, lantai 1 = first/ground floor
Oplet - small vans that acts as buses.
If you have any questions, feel free to post and I will try to translate.
Motor - Motorcycles
Mobil - (pronounced mobeel), cars
Supir - driver. Can also mean to drive
Santai - relax
Sarapan - breakfast
Makan siang - lunch
Makan malam - dinner
Roomboy - Bellboy and the guys that you call for room service
Ojek - motorbikes that acts as personal taxi. Also to mean the bike driver. Just call ojek on any street and someone should respond to you to bring you around balai.
Balai - short name for tanjung balai.
kantor - office room
hp - pronounced ha-pay. Handphone
Pulsa - handphone credit or top up.
Pelabuhan - port
Wisma - cheap hotels. normally with common bathroom.
Capet - (pronounced cha pet) tired
Lantai - floor, lantai 1 = first/ground floor
Oplet - small vans that acts as buses.
If you have any questions, feel free to post and I will try to translate.
Hotels
There are about 60 hotels in Tanjung Balai, Karimun. I will post a list of them here.
- Hotel Maximillian
Jl. Nusantara
Widely known as hotel Maxi, this is the best hotel in town. No question about it. It's facilities are about 3-4 stars standard but by Balai standard it is 5 stars! It recently had an upgrade and extension which includes more rooms, new dining area, conference room, massage and spa facilities, karaoke ktv lounge. The staff are well trained and friendly. The asst manager, Roni is always helpful. - Hotel Gabion
Jl. Nusantara No. 45
Tel: 0777-326222
Standard hotel with no lifts. So quite a bit of a walk if you are on the 4th floor! Loong corridors too! - Hotel Wiko
Newish hotel with a lot of facilities nearby. There is a food court right in front, Star pub with live band, massage centre, hair salon, etc. - Hotel Rasa Sayang
Jl. Ampera
Tel: 0777-323881
Oldish hotel. - Hotel Paradise
Jl. Setiabudi
Tel: 0777-23111 /23222
Pronounced as Parah dees. Many rooms. Good parking if you have cars. Quite extensive KTV rooms. - Hotel Padi Mas
Jl. Pertambangan
Tel: 0777- 325555 - Hotel Holiday Karimun
Jl. Trikora No. 1
Tel: 0777-21065 / 21666 - Hotel Paragon
Jl. Nusantara N0. 38D
Tel: 0777-21688 - Hotel Pelangi
Jl. Teuku Umar
Tel: 0777- 23100 / 232000 - Hotel Alishan
Jl. Kapling Blok A No. 10
Tel: 0777-324888 - Hotel Erikson
Jl. Kapling No. 1
Tel: 0777-23123 - Hotel Shangrilla
Jl. Pramuka No. 62
Tel: 0777-325325 - Hotel Horizon
Jl. Setiabudhi No. 15
Tel: 0777-324008 - Hotel Satria
Jl. A. Yani No. 1A
Tel: 0777-325888 - Hotel Marina
Jl. Pertambangan No. 108
Tel: 0777-323888 - Hotel Taman Bunga
Jl. Yos Sudarso
Tel: 0777-324088 - Hotel Artha
Jl. Pegadaian No.9
Tel: 0777-31591 /31730 - Hotel Asia
Jl. Teuku Umar
Tel: 0777-325678 - Hotel Tanjung Balai
Jl. Nusantara No. 127B
Tel: 0777-22772 - Hotel Royal
Jl. Nusantara
Tel: 0777-22225 / 22289 - Hotel Top Star
Jl. Setiabudi No. 1
Tel: 0777-323868 - Hotel Mitra Pesona
Jl. Nusantara No. 15
Tel: 0777-31456 - Hotel Mirama
Jl. A. Yani No. 8
Tel: 0777-325818 - Hotel Puri Indah
Jl. Ampera
Tel: 0777-326788 - Hotel Gloria
Jl. Yos Sudarso No. 46
Tel: 0777-21133 - Hotel Indah
Jl. Nusantara No. 27
Tel: 0777-21490 - Hotel King Star
Jl. Setiabudi No. 38
Tel: 0777-22346 / 22348 - Hotel Karimun
Jl. Yos Sudarso
Tel: 0777-21082 / 21088 - Hotel Millenium
This is more of a long term hotel than a daily hotel. I know locals who live here and pay rent on a monthly basis.
Jl. Teuku Umar
Tel: 0777-325333 - Hotel Nirwana
Jl. Nusantara No. 12A
Tel: 0777-31820 - Hotel Nusantara
Jl. Nusantara
Tel: 0777-31646
Tanjung Balai
Tanjung Balai is the main town of the island. It's very compact and hectic. Most streets are one way streets and there are more motorcycles(motor) than cars(mobil).
This is a bustling town with a sizeable Chinese (Tionghua) community. As you can see a lot of buildings are built right into the sea via pilings.
Karimun island
Karimun island is a beautiful indonesian island near to Malaysia and Singapore. It's main town is TanjungBalai or Tanjung Balai. Look past the narrow and dirty streets and the staring locals and you will see a laid back and natural island with smiling people.
In January 2009, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono inaugurated Free Trade Zone (FTZ) status on the island of Batam, Bintan and Karimun (BBK) in the Riau Islands Province. This is a very important to the future development of Karimun island.
Karimun island's proximity to Singapore(1.5 hour ferry ride) and Malaysia(1 hour ferry ride) makes it an important transport and business hub. It also connects to the smaller islands around the area as well as stops for the larger ships to Medan.
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