Latest news with #Batam
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
DBS, UOB provide $411 million loan to DayOne-INA data centre project in Indonesia
SINGAPORE, June 5 (Reuters) - Singaporean banks DBS Group ( opens new tab and United Overseas Bank ( opens new tab said on Thursday that they had jointly provided a 6.7 trillion rupiah ($411 million) loan to finance a data centre campus in Indonesia. DBS and UOB are Southeast Asia and Singapore's biggest and third largest lender by assets respectively. The banks said in a statement that the loan for the project, to be jointly developed by Singapore-based data centre company DayOne and the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), was the largest ever rupiah-denominated data centre financing deal. The funding comes at a time when investor appetite for data centres is growing in Asia, driven by demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing-based services. The data centre project also marks INA's first investment in the sector and an expansion of DayOne in Indonesia, according to the statement. INA is Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, wholly owned by the Indonesian government. Proceeds of the loan will be used to develop and operate three data centres located in the Nongsa Digital Park in Batam, according to the statement. Upon completion by end-2025, the campus will have a combined capacity of around 72 megawatts, which will account for around 5% of Indonesia's projected data centre capacity of 1.41 gigawatts by 2029, according to the statement. ($1 = 16,285.0000 rupiah)
Hospitality Net
03-06-2025
- Health
- Hospitality Net
94-Key The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam Opens
Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, proudly announces the opening of The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam, an oasis of well-being nestled on the breathtaking Nirup Island. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Singapore's Harbourfront Terminal or 40-minute away from Harbour Bay Batam, this wellness-focused sanctuary spans the entire private island, offering an immersive escape where guests can recharge and reconnect through transformative experiences. From nature walks to snorkeling, wellness workshops and more, guests can rejuvenate themselves amidst lush tropical landscapes and pristine coastal beauty. Guests can enjoy a seamless arrival and exclusive access with on-site customs and immigration facilities, along with the convenience of exclusive yacht docking at the private marina, ensuring a smooth transition into paradise. A Serene Retreat Surrounded by Natural Beauty Designed to harmonize with the island's natural splendor, The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam features 94 spacious guest rooms and suites, along with 52 private villas, all offering expansive balconies, outdoor spaces or terraces that frame stunning views of the Singapore skyline. Each accommodation is thoughtfully designed to cultivate rest and renewal, featuring the recently launched next generation Heavenly® Bed, the Westin Heavenly Shower, and premium Westin Bath amenities. Embracing the essence of local heritage, the resort's architectural design draws inspiration from the Orang Laut community, seamlessly blending modern design with cultural authenticity. Whether seeking solitude or shared moments, the villas are arranged in clusters of two, providing an intimate setting for families and friends. A Nourishing Culinary Journey True to the Eat Well philosophy, the resort boasts a collection of distinctive dining experiences: Island Kitchen - A vibrant all-day dining destination where guests can savor locally inspired and international cuisines, crafted with fresh, nourishing ingredients and showcased through interactive live cooking stations. - A vibrant all-day dining destination where guests can savor locally inspired and international cuisines, crafted with fresh, nourishing ingredients and showcased through interactive live cooking stations. Nirup Social Bar & Lounge - A lively hub offering signature coffee creations, fresh juices, and crafted cocktails, transitioning from a relaxing daytime lounge to a sophisticated evening retreat. - A lively hub offering signature coffee creations, fresh juices, and crafted cocktails, transitioning from a relaxing daytime lounge to a sophisticated evening retreat. Salt Simply Seafood - A coastal dining haven that celebrates the freshest seafood, complete with an ocean-to-table experience, featuring panoramic sea views and an ambiance that embodies seaside elegance. - A coastal dining haven that celebrates the freshest seafood, complete with an ocean-to-table experience, featuring panoramic sea views and an ambiance that embodies seaside elegance. Constellate Pool Bar - Perched at the island's highest point, this rooftop venue offers breathtaking 360-degree views, making it the ultimate destination for sunset cocktails and starlit gatherings. A Holistic Wellness and Rejuvenation Sanctuary Embodying Westin's Move Well and Feel Well pillars, The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam invites guests to awaken their senses and restore balance through an array of wellness-focused offerings: Heavenly Spa by Westin™ - A serene retreat designed to revitalize the mind, body, and spirit, featuring signature therapies such as Swedish-inspired massage, personalized treatments, and captivating views from each treatment room. WestinWORKOUT ® Fitness Studio - An innovative wellness space with ocean view, equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, Sculpt & Flow Kits by Bala, and Recover & Recharge Kits by Hyperice, ensuring an optimized workout experience. Fitness Studio - An innovative wellness space with ocean view, equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, Sculpt & Flow Kits by Bala, and Recover & Recharge Kits by Hyperice, ensuring an optimized workout experience. Outdoor Recreational Activities - Guests can immerse themselves in nature with activities such as sunrise yoga sessions, guided island treks, and invigorating water sports, embracing the island's untouched beauty and tranquility. A Productive and Balanced Stay The resort boasts an array of meeting and wedding spaces designed to accommodate events of every size and style. The 450-sqm Ballroom can host important occasions, ranging from corporate conferences to one-of-a-kind weddings. Three versatile meeting rooms provide an inspiring environment for creativity and collaboration, ensuring every event is a memorable success. For those seeking a more intimate setting, guests can exchange vows with breathtaking ocean views, creating an unforgettable backdrop for their special day. An Elevated Island Experience With its exclusive island setting, seamless access from Singapore and Batam, and immersive wellness programming, The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam is poised to redefine premium island escapes. From a rejuvenating retreat to a culinary discovery or an active outdoor adventure, the resort offers an enriching and fulfilling experience tailored to every traveler's well-being. The Kids Club is a haven for young explorers, offering a dedicated space that is both enchanting and engaging. Nestled amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, the club provides stunning views that captivate the imagination. Children can immerse themselves in a variety of fun and educational activities, all while being enveloped by the beauty of nature. This thoughtfully designed sanctuary ensures that even the youngest guests have a memorable and delightful experience, making it an ideal retreat for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. Guests can indulge in a variety of activities on the island, from guided nature walks, yoga sessions on the beach, and wellness workshops designed to rejuvenate the mind and body, promising an unforgettable escape that caters to every desire. Hotel website
CBS News
27-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Indonesia reels in 2 tons of meth from fishing boat in country's biggest-ever drug bust
Pet raccoon caught with meth pipe during traffic stop in Ohio Indonesian authorities seized two tons of crystal methamphetamine hidden on a fishing boat and arrested six people in the country's biggest-ever drug bust, officials said Monday. The National Narcotics Agency, or BNN, said Thai authorities had notified them that the Indonesian-flagged vessel, sailing from the Andaman Sea to Batam Island, could be carrying a huge haul of narcotics. Indonesian authorities said they intercepted the boat in waters off the Riau islands last Tuesday, and found 2,000 packages of crystal meth stuffed into cardboard boxes hidden within the ship. "The result of the search is two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine," BNN chief Marthinus Hukom told a press conference. "This is the biggest haul in Indonesia's narcotics bust history." Authorities released images of handcuffed suspects wearing orange jumpsuits and face masks sitting in front of hundreds of packages of the alleged drugs. Suspects are seen alongside seized crystal methamphetamine during a press conference by Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) officials in Batam, Riau Islands, on May 26, 2025, after they seized two tonnes of the drug hidden aboard a fishing boat following a tip-off from Thai authorities. ANDARU AK/AFP via Getty Images Marthinus estimated the drugs to be worth more than $4 million. Indonesian authorities investigated the case over the last five months, working closely with Thai authorities. The illicit drugs were produced in the "Golden Triangle" region where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, and were smuggled by an organized crime group working with Indonesian traffickers, Marthinus said. Six people onboard the fishing boat were arrested, including four Indonesians and two Thai nationals. The crew told authorities they were fishermen recruited by the drugs syndicate which promised to pay them 50,000 Thai Baht ($1,500) and a $3,000 bonus. Marthinus said a fugitive from Thailand was behind the operation and that Indonesia would issue a red notice for the trafficker. Monday's drug bust was the second major drug seizure this month. Indonesian authorities previously seized 1.2 tons of crystal meth and more than 700 kilograms of cocaine inside a Thailand-flagged fishing boat near the Riau islands. Authorities said they arrested five people and released an image of the suspects on ship with packages of drugs and armed officers behind them. In a separate case, Indonesian authorities arrested an Australian on Monday for allegedly smuggling cocaine on the tourist island of Bali, a charge that could carry the death penalty, officials said Monday. Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws, and convicted smugglers are sometimes executed by firing squad. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Arab News
27-05-2025
- General
- Arab News
Indonesia intercepts record meth haul from Golden Triangle
JAKARTA: Indonesia has marked the biggest seizure of drugs in its history as authorities intercepted 2 tonnes of methamphetamine coming from the Golden Triangle, the world's most notorious drug-producing region. The drug bust, carried out by a joint task force from the National Narcotics Agency, the Indonesian Armed Forces, Customs, and the National Police, was a five-month intelligence-based operation. As the Sea Dragon Terawa vessel, which carried the narcotics, entered Indonesian waters last week, it was escorted to Tanjung Uncang port in Batam for a customs search and crew inspection. During the search, authorities discovered cardboard boxes wrapped in clear plastic, each containing numerous green tea packages containing 2,000 packages of methamphetamine weighing 2,115 kg, the narcotics agency said in a press conference on Monday. 'The 2-tonne methamphetamine (bust) is the largest seizure in the history of drug eradication in Indonesia,' the narcotics agency's head, Marthinus Hukom, told reporters. Six crew members — four Indonesians and two Thais — have been arrested by police. Under Indonesian law, they could face the death penalty or life in prison if convicted. They are believed to be part of the same group that was behind another drug haul intercepted in the waters off Riau Islands earlier this month. The crew of the Aungtoetoe99 vessel — comprising nationals of Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand — was arrested on May 13 with 1.2 tonnes of cocaine and 768 kg of methamphetamine. Hukom said they were offered 50,000 baht ($1,500) per trip by a syndicate operating in the Golden Triangle region. The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet, has been synonymous with the global drug trade. From the 1950s to the early 2000s, it was one of the largest heroin-producing regions. Recently, it has also become a major source of methamphetamine, especially meth pills and crystal meth, much of which is trafficked throughout Asia and beyond. 'Information from partners indicates that there is an international narcotics syndicate from the Golden Triangle region whose operations involve a network of illicit drug distribution in Indonesia,' Hukom said. 'The narcotics carried by the vessel Sea Dragon Terawa are suspected to have been intended for distribution to several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.'
Independent Singapore
22-05-2025
- Health
- Independent Singapore
Singapore Red Cross warns number of local blood donors has dropped, with stocks of 3 blood types getting low
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Red Cross has reported critically low supplies of three key blood types and said it expects the number of blood donations to decrease as the nation heads into the June school holidays and contends with a fresh wave of COVID-19 cases. According to the latest update on the Singapore Red Cross website, the stocks of O+, AB+, and A- blood types are running low, prompting a renewed appeal for donors to come forward. Since last week, the organisation has been actively reaching out to eligible donors through SMS and phone calls in a bid to replenish supplies. The drop in blood stocks comes at a particularly challenging time. Blood donations typically decline by about 20% during the mid-year school break, as many regular donors travel or adjust their routines during the holidays. The Red Cross noted that Singaporeans who have visited areas such as Batam and Bintan in Indonesia must wait at least four months before donating blood if they stayed there for more than 24 hours. 'There are three public holidays in May, and many Singaporeans travel overseas during this period,' said a Red Cross spokesperson, 'Unfortunately, if they travel to certain regions, they may be temporarily deferred from donating blood upon their return.' This seasonal dip has been compounded by the recent uptick in COVID-19 infections, which has led to fewer people turning up at blood banks, either due to illness or concerns about exposure. There is a particular need for type O blood, the most in-demand blood group in Singapore. Half of all Singapore patients requiring blood transfusions have type O blood and can only receive transfusions of the same type. Moreover, in emergency situations where there is no time to verify a patient's blood type, hospitals rely on type O blood — often referred to as 'universal blood' — to stabilise patients and save lives. The Singapore Red Cross is calling on members of the public to come forward and donate blood as soon as they can. See also 2 teens arrested in connection with jewellery theft Only those who are in good health and free from infections are eligible to donate. Anyone feeling unwell or recovering from an illness, including COVID-19, is advised to wait until they've made a full recovery before heading to a donation centre.
