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Riau Islands govt reduces Batam-Singapore ferry fares by IDR 30K to boost tourism

The Riau Islands Provincial Government, in cooperation with ferry operators, has reduced the cost of round-trip ferry tickets on the Batam-Singapore route by IDR30,000 (US$2). This reduction, effective 24 September 2024, follows discussions held from 22-23 September. Officials anticipate further pricing adjustments as part of ongoing efforts to ensure affordability.

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INDONESIA: The Riau Islands Provincial Government and ferry operators have agreed to reduce round-trip ferry ticket prices for the Batam-Singapore route by IDR30,000 (US$2), effective from 24 September 2024.

This decision followed discussions between the government and ferry operators held from 22-23 September 2024.

Junaidi, Head of the Riau Islands Transportation Agency, confirmed the fare reduction in a statement on 24 September.

He explained that the IDR30,000 (US$2) price cut resulted from ferry operators’ calculations and marked the first phase of a broader review of Batam-Singapore ferry pricing.

This initial reduction aims to establish a more suitable pricing structure for ferry services between the two destinations.

Junaidi referred to remarks by Governor Ansar Ahmad, who emphasized the importance of conducting a detailed survey to understand the root causes of high ferry ticket prices.

“As Governor Ansar has mentioned, a survey will be conducted to identify the causes of the high ticket prices to determine the appropriate pricing for Batam-Singapore ferry tickets,” Junaidi added.

One factor contributing to the increase has been the rise in seaport taxes, particularly in Batam, where the tax increased from IDR65,000 (US$4.3) to IDR100,000 (US$6.62).

Additionally, ferry operators cited rising exchange rates, higher fuel costs, increased counter rental fees, and crew salary hikes as key reasons for the surge in prices.

While ferry operators have raised concerns about these pressures, Junaidi stressed that a comprehensive survey would be essential to verify the claims and guide future pricing decisions.

He noted that further steps would be taken once the survey is completed.

Junaidi also addressed ongoing delays in finalizing visa-on-arrival (VoA) regulations for foreign tourists, stating that simplifying the VoA process could significantly impact ferry passenger numbers.

He believes that easing these regulations would encourage more foreign tourists to travel between Batam and Singapore, potentially increasing ferry occupancy rates.

The issue of high ferry ticket prices has been a long-standing concern for local authorities.

Governor Ansar Ahmad had previously announced plans to form an investigation team to address the significant price hikes that have occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fares for the Batam-Singapore route experienced a sharp increase, with prices doubling after the pandemic.

One-way ticket prices, which were previously between IDR250,000 (US$16.55) and IDR350,000 (US$23.17), surged to IDR500,000 (US$33.1) to IDR550,000 (US$36.4).

In a press release issued on 23 September 2024, Governor Ansar further detailed the fare hikes, stating that round-trip ticket prices, which were once around IDR480,000 (US$31.77), had risen to approximately IDR760,000 (US$50.3).

Governor Ansar highlighted the importance of reducing ferry ticket prices to boost passenger occupancy rates and attract more foreign tourists, aligning with broader efforts to revitalize tourism in the region, which was heavily impacted by the pandemic.

The recent IDR30,000 (US$2) price reduction is seen as a first step in adjusting ferry prices to more affordable levels, with further reviews and negotiations expected to ensure sustainable and fair pricing for the Batam-Singapore route.

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Crime

Singaporean man arrested in Batam for alleged child sexual abuse

A Singaporean man was arrested in Batam, Indonesia, for sexually abusing his 16-year-old stepdaughter. The 50-year-old was apprehended at his residence in Batam on 7 September. Local authorities accused that the perpetrator repeatedly assaulted the victim during his visits to Batam, and the abuse is believed to have lasted for more than two years.

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BATAN, INDONESIA:A Singaporean man has been arrested in Batam, Indonesia, on charges of sexually abusing his underage stepdaughter for over two years.

The 50-year-old suspect, identified only as AH, was apprehended at his residence in the Mutiara View housing complex on 7 September.

As per reported by local media, police alleged that AH repeatedly sexually assaulted his 16-year-old stepdaughter, AF, during his frequent visits to Batam.

According to Senior Police Commissioner Heribertus Ompusunggu, chief of the Barelang precinct police, the perpetrator engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim an estimated 120 times during his weekly trips to the Indonesian island.

The alleged abuse began in June 2022, shortly after AF, who used to live with her grandmother in Karawang, West Java,  moved to Batam to live with her mother.

One day in July 2022, the girl slept in the same room with AH while her mother was in another room.

The police believed that after AH may have gave AF a drink laced with jasmine flowers, he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

On 7 September, the victim’s mother sought help from a friend to escape the house, unable to endure her husband’s violent behaviour and the sexual abuse of her daughter.

The victim’s mother was afraid to report the abuse due to repeated threats from the alleged perpetrator.

The police have detained AH for further investigation into alleged violations of the 2016 law on child protection.

If found guilty, he could face a prison sentence of five to 15 years, with an additional punishment of one-third of the jail term due to his status as the victim’s stepfather.

 

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Community

Naked Russian tourist causes stir in Bali, claims sleepwalking

A Russian tourist, claiming sleepwalking, alarmed residents by walking naked in Bali. He received a warning, with the Indonesian police emphasizing the need of respect for local norms.

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INDONESIA: In an unusual incident that left residents of Darmawangsa Street in Banjar Petangan, Kutuh Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali, perplexed, a Russian national, identified as DS (34), was seen strolling naked on Wednesday (27 Sep).

This bizarre incident has sparked concerns among locals and raised questions about the man’s actions.

South Kuta Police Chief I Nyoman Karang Adiputra, while interrogating the Russian man, DS (34), for walking naked on Darmawangsa Street, Banjar Petangan, Kutuh Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali, on Wednesday (27 Sep). (Photo: KOMPAS.com)

According to local authorities, DS, who is a professional parkour athlete in his home country, was apprehended shortly after the incident. He claimed to suffer from a sleepwalking disorder.

“DS admitted to having a history of sleepwalking and is currently taking prescribed medication,” stated I Ketut Sukadi, the Head of the Public Relations Section at the Denpasar City Police Resort (Polresta), in a written statement.

Sukadi further explained that, based on reports from witnesses, the foreign tourist was observed leaving a villa and walking towards Darmawangsa Street in the buff around 9.22 am local time.

Upon reaching a workshop, he stood motionless for approximately 30 minutes. Subsequently, the tourist was seen crossing the road multiple times.

Alarmed residents who witnessed the scene promptly alerted local law enforcement.

Officers from the Kuta Police Sector, along with Public Order Officers (Linmas) and the Municipal Police Unit (Satpol PP) of Kutuh Village, rushed to the scene. DS fled into a villa in South Kuta upon seeing the gathering crowd and officials approaching.

During questioning, DS revealed that he had been staying at a Guest House in Tabanan Regency, Bali, as a guest of a friend since Tuesday (26 Sep).

Following the incident, the police collaborated with immigration authorities to examine DS’s travel documents to Bali. It was confirmed that his immigration documents were in order, resulting in a mere warning for his actions.

“DS is a professional parkour athlete in his home country. At this time, he has only received a stern warning,” added Sukadi.

In light of this incident, Sukadi urged all tourists, both domestic and foreign, within the jurisdiction of Polresta Denpasar, to always respect and honor Bali’s culture, customs, and applicable regulations. He emphasized the importance of adhering to local norms and laws to avoid any violations.

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