Batam Info Thread

[BtmMan]

Originally Posted by GarlicBread

heard there is casino operating in batam liao,izit true?

Latest news is that, they will allow few of the better hotels here (Planet Holiday is one of them) to have casinos as one of the hotel's "facilities", don't know if they are already operating...?

[bochuns]

Originally Posted by meatlover

Yes. I think is 30 years lease only for non-Indonesian ownership.

Is there any risk to take note..or better to use a Indonesia party as a owner.

[BtmMan]

Originally Posted by meatlover

Yes. I think is 30 years lease only for non-Indonesian ownership.

Those with 30 + - years land lease are mainly with the older complexes/estates, and it's for all ownerships.

[bochuns]

How abt having a new house??, do it like some other part of indonesia. Where the owner buy a land and build themself.

[BtmMan]

Originally Posted by meatlover

No, and never will with this current government.
Also, previously the casinos were also illegal.

FYI

Even those joints/KTV you went to book your cewek, they are all illegal...

If you see any proper big/mid scale casinos in full operation, especially in the bigger/better hotels, then it's with the blessing of the "no. 1 man", meaning to say it'll be safe. Just like the joints/KTV where you go book your cewek, if they dare open door to do business, then it's safe to go there, agree?

[BtmMan]

Originally Posted by bochuns

How abt having a new house??, do it like some other part of indonesia. Where the owner buy a land and build themself.

New, old/used or self built houses, for as long as you are talking about official ownership by a foreigner, you can only do that in a few designated estates, as I've mentioned 2 of them in my earlier post.
Current land leasing matters I'm not too sure, but I heard there's the free hold thing now, if you are really serious about owning properties in Batam, I can help link you up with the local notaries and you take it off from there with them.

[guruking]

Originally Posted by BtmMan

Latest news is that, they will allow few of the better hotels here (Planet Holiday is one of them) to have casinos as one of the hotel's "facilities", don't know if they are already operating...?

One of the foodcourt already has jackpot machine...

[bochuns]

Originally Posted by BtmMan

New, old/used or self built houses, for as long as you are talking about official ownership by a foreigner, you can only do that in a few designated estates, as I've mentioned 2 of them in my earlier post.
Current land leasing matters I'm not too sure, but I heard there's the free hold thing now, if you are really serious about owning properties in Batam, I can help link you up with the local notaries and you take it off from there with them.

Thks BtmMan, my friend's more keen in Tg Balai first. Will look for you if he change his mind on Batam.

[dreammare]

Originally Posted by BtmMan

It's good to see a Batam only related thread, without mixing up with the other "wonderland" (islands).
But I really hope we don't get people asking questions like, where got nice n cheap CB, nice n cheap hotel, nice n cheap KTV ect ect.
All those had already been answered MANY times in other Batam threads.
I think all die hard Batam lau chiaoS will try their cheonging best to answer questions related to Batam to help the newbies, and also post their juicy FRs here?
First to start with, ---> MeatLover <---, your FR on last weekend cheonging session please....

BM thats the point why i set this , cause when i did a search , i couldn't find a thread with things only about batam. So if i drop Batam can go find you?
One of my friend has being to Batam , so it is more advisable not use the local taxi driver'r reference to place?

[juswan2knwu]

Originally Posted by BtmMan

... I'm not too sure, but I heard there's the free hold thing now ...

U sure? Recently, newspaper jus reported the central authority is going 2 investigate the case of a Sg'orean who bought 2 entire (small) island near Batam as foreigners R nt allw 2 own freehold estate. Part of their national assest protection scheme.

I dun tk they offer freehold condominium(s) 2 foreigners, unlik Thai. I'm nt sure if the current laws gt change or nt but i nvr c any offical note on amdt(s).

Most foreigners bypass tis by putting the name of a local as the "offical" owner. Hwevr, as tis is a "gentleman" agreement, there is no ways (legal or illegal) of asssuring he keep his promise.
1 possible wk ard is gt him 2 sign an IOU which said he owed U a sum of $$ (few times the value of the house, in case appreciation, though nt likely) & mortage his house as part of the agreement. Hwevr, pls tak note, there is a clause in Indon tat states any loan greater than ?? (4gt the amount), mus seeks prior approval fm the govt (dun knw local, k or nt), otherwise, it will be considered void. The World Bank, IMF & a few "charity" banks oso kana bcos of tis clause a few yrs bk. Loaned a couple of millions(USD$) but was defaulted. IMF & gang decide 2 sued the company but Indon court declares the loan void as they nvr seeks prior approval. So, pls rem. 2 seek govt approval if sum is more than allw but likely U hav 2 pay additional "kopi" $$ but tat's safer than if the entire estate gt makan by the local man, rite? Do engage a credit worthy advicer who's familiar w/ Indon legisaltive 2 help U draft the deal.

[newyorker88]

Originally Posted by meatlover

To answer the question first, go Sungei Panas in the night, sure tio pick up by bencongs one.

Try batu Ampar... alot along the road also. You pick them up

[newyorker88]

Originally Posted by juswan2knwu

Most foreigners bypass tis by putting the name of a local as the "offical" owner. Hwevr, as tis is a "gentleman" agreement, there is no ways (legal or illegal) of asssuring he keep his promise.
1 possible wk ard is gt him 2 sign an IOU which said he owed U a sum of $$ (

There is a danger to this, as I personally fall for this during the 98 crisis. If the value of the rupiah drops too harsh, it is you who will be the ultimate loser.

Take for example, if you buy the land say 100k sing. Which is about 600million rupiah today. then the IOU says he owe you 600million rupiah. If the rupiah becomes 20% of today's value in 3 years time, you lose out big, becos he pay you only 600 million rupiah which will be 20k sing only. Also, if the person dies, and have no kids, the land goes to the govenment.

[newyorker88]

Originally Posted by BtmMan

Latest news is that, they will allow few of the better hotels here (Planet Holiday is one of them) to have casinos as one of the hotel's "facilities", don't know if they are already operating...?

Sure or not? I have not hear anything yet. The talk is that they want to concentrate the casinos in galang, or the last island from batam via barelang bridge.

SO far, nothing.

[BtmMan]

Originally Posted by newyorker88

Sure or not? I have not hear anything yet. The talk is that they want to concentrate the casinos in galang, or the last island from batam via barelang bridge.

SO far, nothing.

Well, since the casinos was closed down years ago, it has only been a lot of talks, and no one is really sure about such matters, even when I asked a close polisi friend of mine, he's also not sure. Let's see in a few months time if those hotels really run their casinos?
And on the Galang developing into not only casino but also resort, that story I heard more 10 years ago, and still nothing till today....

[BtmMan]

Originally Posted by dreammare

One of my friend has being to Batam , so it is more advisable not use the local taxi driver'r reference to place?

Ofcause the taxi guys will take you to places where they can have the biggest com payout. To put ourselves in their shoes, we would also do the same..?
But if you don't know your way around then you got no choice right?