Jokowi Claims Poor Communication Triggers the Rempang Island Conflict

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo mentioned that the lack of communication between law enforcers and Rempang residents is the cause of conflict on the island. According to Jokowi, the incident would not have happened if the residents had been involved in dialogues and were given solutions in regard to the development of Rempang Eco-City in the area.

"Because there has actually been an opportunity that the residents will be given 500 meters of land plus 45-type buildings, but this is not communicated properly. Thus, it becomes a problem," he said when met during a visit to Kranggot Market in Banten today, September 12.

Jokowi has appointed Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to mitigate the conflict and directly communicate with Rempang residents about the development plan. 

Citing the BP Batam website, Rempang Eco-City is one of the registered projects in the National Strategic Program 2023. The project is an integrated industrial, trade, and tourism area, set to boost competitiveness with Singapore and Malaysia.

The development of Rempang Eco-City will be handled by PT Makmur Elok Graha (MEG), a partner of the Batam city government and BP Batam. The company will support the government in seeking foreign and local investors, targeting Rp381 trillion by 2080.

PT MEG is given 17,000 hectares of land to develop Rempang Eco-City, covering the entirety of Rempang Island and Subang Mas Island. 

Rempang residents protested the plan on Thursday, September 7, 2023, by blocking off access while joint apparatus attempted to measure and set benchmarks in the area.

The development plan will cause around 7,500 residents to be relocated. Additionally, the project is threatening the existence of 16 Malay villages that have resided on the island since 1834.

The violent conflict between officers and Rempang residents resulted in injuries and trauma, even in local children. 

ANTARA

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