Ombudsman: Rempang Residents Feel Pressured

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ombudsman member Johanes Widijantoro stated that the government is applying pressure against the residents of Rempang, Batam, to agree with relocation in order to develop Rempang Eco-City. 

Currently, the government is carrying out efforts to relocate people from 2,000 hectares of land on Rempang Island. The land will be used to develop the first phase of Rempang Eco-City by the Chinese investor Xinyi Group.

"They're feeling pressured these days since the forms for relocation agreements are forcefully put inside the [resident's] doors," said Widijantoro during a press conference in the Ombudsman Office on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. "When the parents are absent from the house, the kids are forced to fill in the forms."

Not only that, Sembulang Village residents are experiencing difficulties with food supplies post-September 7 and 11 riots. Food distributors are afraid to supply the village, Widijantoro said. "Since the village is declared to be cleared by the government," he added.

Rempang residents are living in worry these days, according to Widijantoro. There are even people who refrain from sailing. "They're afraid that their houses are demolished while they are at sea," he said. "And it affected their income."

The government is set to develop Rempang Eco-City and force Rempang residents to be relocated from their homes. The residents refused, causing a clash between the joint apparatus of the military and police and the residents after a protest on September 7, and again on September 11.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian government promised to compensate Rempang residents with type-45 replacement homes and a 500-meter square of land, as well as financial aid amounting to Rp1.2 million during a transition period. Additional compensation is included for those whose initial homes were priced at Rp120 million.

RIRI RAHAYU

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