Shifting Sands in Riau

Massive theft of coastal sand is taking place in Riau. A chaotic licensing system, corrupt bureaucracy and crooked businessmen are at the root of the problem.

October 9, 2001

Imagine one unlucky day when you're stranded on a small, uninhabited island among the Riau Islands. Don't be quick to jump up for joy. Don't even dream of setting up a tent, sunbathing on the beach, or frying fresh fish at night. Instead, get right out of that empty island. A big danger may be lurking: the island could be swallowed by the wide-open sea. This can happen because dredgers may be silently sucking the sand from under the island you're on....

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