The Ombudsman of Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province extends a welcoming hand to foreign nationals, including Singaporeans, empowering them to report any subpar public services. This inclusive approach underscores a commitment to enhancing accessibility and accountability within the region’s public sectors.

During a meeting with the Vice Consul General of Singapore in Batam, Lagat Siadari, head of the Ombudsman Representative Office in the Riau Islands, highlighted the office’s readiness to receive complaints and consultations from foreign nationals experiencing issues with public services, provided they hold the necessary residence permits (KITAS/KITAP).

Singaporeans, including other foreign nationals residing in the Riau Islands, are encouraged to report any difficulties encountered with public services directly or through authorized representatives like lawyers.

Despite the openness for complaints from foreign nationals, the number of reports filed by Singaporeans has been minimal, with only one case reported in 2023, which was related to a police investigation but has since been closed.

The Ombudsman’s office seeks to foster better communication and cooperation with the Singaporean Consulate in Batam to facilitate access to the Ombudsman for Singaporean investors and residents, aiming for improved public service standards.

Lagat Siadari expressed a desire for shared learning opportunities with Singapore, given its reputation as a benchmark for public service excellence worldwide. Such interactions could benefit the implementation of public services in the Riau Islands.

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The discussions also covered public service issues, indicating a shared commitment to enhancing service delivery for both Singaporeans and locals in the Riau Islands.

This initiative by the Ombudsan represents a significant step towards ensuring a more responsive and transparent public service environment. It not only offers a direct channel for addressing service-related concerns but also fosters a collaborative effort to elevate service standards to international benchmarks.

The Ombudsman of the Riau Islands in Indonesia has made it clear that foreign nationals, including Singaporeans, are welcome to report any issues with public services. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of public services and promote transparency. With minimal reports from Singaporeans so far, the initiative seeks to improve communication and collaboration, potentially leading to valuable exchanges of best practices in public service delivery.

Source: Batam Pos, Pos Metro (2024)