Batam, Batamnews - In the past week, several interesting and popular news stories have surfaced in Batam and its surrounding areas, compiled by Batamnews.

Former Island Commander Ucok Lasdin Silalahi Gets Transferred and Promoted: On December 8, 2023, Commissioner Police Ucok Lasdin Silalahi, former Police Chief of Lingga and Tanjungpinang, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General following a transfer as per the telegram letter ST/2750/KEP/2023, signed by the National Police Human Resources Director, Inspector General Dedy Prasetyo.

Commissioner Police Ucok Lasdin Silalahi, during his tenure as the Police Chief in Lingga and Tanjungpinang, successfully transformed the image of the police force by optimizing the role of Bhabinkamtibnas deployed to villages, conducting community development, making the police a solution for the community in various aspects.

Baca juga: Health Department of Kepulauan Riau Province Confirms a Case of Monkeypox in Batam

Latest Entry Method to Malaysia with Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): On December 5, 2023, the Malaysian Immigration Department mandated foreign tourists, including those from Indonesia, to fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) starting from December 1, 2023. 

This policy grants access to autogate services at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for citizens from the 10 ASEAN member countries.

Tragic Accident on Bukit Daeng Descent, Mother Passes Away: On December 9, 2023, a tragic accident occurred on the descent of Bukit Daeng, Batam, involving a small family. A mother is suspected to have passed away, while her two children suffered severe injuries and are still undergoing intensive care.

Residents of Lubuk Baja and Bengkong Face a 5-Day Water Shortage: On December 4, 2023, residents of Lubuk Baja, Bengkong, and several other areas in Batam experienced a shortage of clean water for five days due to a damaged and broken pipe at Simpang Indomobil, Baloi, Lubuk Baja caused by heavy machinery, disrupting the distribution of Batam's water supply.

Baca juga: Batam to Begin Construction of Sungai Ladi Flyover in November

Massive Shuffling in the Riau Islands Police Hierarchy: On December 7, 2023, a significant reshuffling took place in the Riau Islands Police hierarchy. 

The Police Chief and key officials underwent changes based on the Telegram Letter from the National Police Chief Number ST/2750/XII/KEP./2023. This reshuffling is explained as part of organizational revitalization and career development to enhance performance and provide new experiences to officials.

One of the noteworthy highlights includes the return of Brigadier General Yan Fitri Halimansyah, a native of Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, known among the local community. 

In a series of popular news over the past week in Batam and the Riau Islands, we have witnessed the dynamics of events covering various aspects of community life, successfully summarized by Batamnews.