Batam

Batam is both an island and largest city (on the island) in Riau Islands Province of Indonesia. It is a Free Trade Zone, as part of the Sijori Growth Triangle, and is located 20 km (12 mi) off Singapore's south coast. The 715 km² (276 miles²) island has a population of 1,153,860 ( April 2012).

 

Batam is located west of Bintan Island, south of Singapore, north of Rempang and east of Bulan Island. The Riau Strait (Selat Riau) separates Batam and Bintan. Batam has Tropical rainforest climate with average temperatures between 26-32°C. Humidity in the region ranges from 73% to 96%. The region has a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Average annual rainfall is around 2,600 mm.

 

Beginning in the 1970s, the island underwent a significant transformation from a largely forested area into a major harbor and industrial zone. Shipbuilding and electronics manufacturing are important industries on the island. Being close to ports of Singapore increases the speed for goods shipping and product distribution which is benefit to the island's economy, with lower labour costs and special government incentives, it is the site of many factories operated by foreign companies.

 

The local ferry terminal ports connect to nearby Singapore and Bintan, and provides routes to Johor Bahru (Malaysia). There are five ferry terminals on the island: Harbourbay, Nongsapura Ferry Terminal, Sekupang, Waterfront City and Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal.