Economy and society in Batam and the Riau Islands Current social, political, economic and business issues in Batam, the Riau Islands and Indonesia - an overview. The IMF wants Jakarta to implement a VAT tax in Batam by April, 2000. But, in the same issue, the Tax Dept Director General said the tax was still needed. Five steps which Batam could take to double the number of tourist arrivals.
Local fishermen force two sand dredges to leave their area.
Foreign ships rule North Sumatra New regulation in works to curb illegal fishing. Tracing large-scale illegal logging business in Kalimantan. KL firms allegedly involved in illegal timber trade. An excellent article from The Economist . Update on the shipyard business in Batam and Karimun islands.