Batam is one of the 3,000 islands, which make up the Riau Archipelago and is closest to Singapore, which is only 20 km away or twenty minutes by air-conditioned ferry. It has a rapid-growing population of around 100.000. As the island develops into a major industrial and tourist area, it attracts an ever-increasing population from other Indonesian islands who see Batam as a haven of opportunity. Once almost uninhabited, save for a few scattered fishing communities, Batam's history took a sharp turn beginning 1969, when it became support base for the State-owned 'Pertamina oil company' and its offshore oil exploration. In 1971 a presidential decree designated it as an industrial area and in 1975 the Batam Authority was formed. In 1978 Batam was established as a bonded area. In addition to the oil support industries of Batu Ampar and a fast growing electronics industry, Batam now attracts increasing numbers of tourists. Many come from Singapore for a short holiday with friends and family, duty-free shopping and great seafood. The visitors to Singapore hope over for a day or weekend trip.
Senin, 1 September 2008 | 08:19 WIB DENPASAR, SENIN - Untuk menghidupkan lagi pariwisata kota yang semakin meredup, Pemerintah Kota Denpasar mengoperasikan bus antar-jemput gratis dari kawasan Sanur ke sejumlah obyek wisata di Denpasar. Agen pariwisata dilibatkan dalam program tersebut.Uji coba pengoperasian bus antar-jemput itu sudah dilakukan awal Agustus lalu bersamaan dengan digelarnya festival pariwisata Sanur, Sanur Village Festival 2008. Namun, program itu kurang sosialisasi sehingga belum direspons wisatawan yang tengah berlibur di kawasan Sanur. |