Investigations reveal shared affiliations in Batam’s controversial land and port deals.

In a startling revelation, recent investigations have uncovered affiliations between the company responsible for the demolition of Batam’s historic Hotel Purajaya and the firm awarded the contentious Batam Center Port tender. This discovery has ignited debates over potential conflicts of interest and the transparency of Batam’s development projects.

On February 11, 2025, during a Public Hearing Meeting (RDPU) with Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Hidayat Suryoprabowo, Chief Operating Officer of PT Synergy Tharada, disclosed that PT Metro Nusantara, the company awarded the management of Batam Center Port, is affiliated with PT Pasifik Prosperindo Perkasa—the entity behind the forcible demolition of Hotel Purajaya in 2023. This connection has raised concerns about the integrity of the tender processes and the role of the Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (BP Batam) in these affairs.

The saga began in June 2023 when Hotel Purajaya, a landmark establishment in Batam, was demolished under contentious circumstances. The hotel, managed by PT Dani Tasha Lestari, occupied a 10-hectare plot allocated in 1988, with the lease expiring in September 2018. Despite ongoing negotiations for lease renewal, BP Batam reallocated the land to PT Pasifik Prosperindo Perkasa, leading to the hotel’s demolition. The hotel’s management claimed they had not received any compensation for the demolition, prompting legal action against the involved parties.

Fast forward to July 2024, BP Batam conducted a tender for the management of Batam Center Port. PT Metro Nusantara emerged as the winner, a decision now under scrutiny due to its affiliation with PT Pasifik Prosperindo Perkasa. Hidayat Suryoprabowo of PT Synergy Tharada, the previous port operator, highlighted these affiliations during the RDPU, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and calling into question the transparency of BP Batam’s tender processes.

The revelations have prompted members of Commission VI, including Andre Rosiade, to advocate for the formation of a special committee to investigate BP Batam’s activities. Rosiade emphasized the need for thorough scrutiny, stating that the disclosed information would serve as critical material for the proposed committee. Other members, such as Sadarestuwati from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), supported this initiative, underscoring the importance of evaluating BP Batam’s decisions and ensuring adherence to legal frameworks.

BP Batam, on its part, has maintained that all procedures were conducted transparently and in accordance with prevailing regulations. They assert that the reallocation of the hotel land was due to the expiration of the lease and the absence of a renewal application from PT Dani Tasha Lestari. Regarding the port tender, BP Batam has expressed readiness to cooperate with any investigations to uphold the integrity of its operations.

These intertwined events have sparked broader discussions about governance, transparency, and the equitable treatment of businesses in Batam. The affiliations between companies involved in significant land and port developments raise questions about potential monopolistic practices and the fairness of competitive processes. As investigations proceed, stakeholders are calling for greater accountability and reforms to ensure that Batam’s development benefits all parties fairly.

The unfolding controversies in Batam serve as a cautionary tale about the complexities of urban development and the imperative for transparent governance. For Singaporeans and international visitors, Batam has long been a neighboring destination of interest. These recent events underscore the importance of due diligence and awareness when engaging in business or leisure activities in regions undergoing rapid development. The situation also highlights the need for regional cooperation in promoting ethical business practices and ensuring that development projects are conducted with integrity and respect for all stakeholders involved.

Sources: Rmol.id (2025), Medius News (2025)

Keywords: Batam, Hotel Purajaya, Batam Center Port, BP Batam, Land Disputes