Rempang Eco-City Conflict Improper Handling Might be a Blunder

The latest conflict in Rempang Island, Batam, Riau Islands that emerged on Sept 7 between hundreds of locals and the joint group made up of the police, military, and the public order agency, who were assigned to safeguard the installation of landmarks for the Rempang Eco-City project had injured dozens of locals over beating and rubber bullets, as well as causing a number of students exposed to tear gases.

Seven locals were named as suspects over provocation and sharp weapon possession allegations. “The local resident protest has been met with arrest and excessive power of the law enforcer personnel,” Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid said on Sept 8.

BP Batam Spokesperson Ariastuty Sirait said the people who moved by using Rempang local’s name had earlier provoked the law enforcers. She claimed that BP Batam has only carried out the central government’s mandate to commence the national strategic project of Rempang Eco-City development.

National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo said both parties must prioritize discussions and socialization to settle the problems instead of involved in a brawl. Listyo said the BP Batam had discussed this with the locals and had already prepared compensations for those who will face relocation. 

Coordinating Minister of Politics, Legal and Security Mahfud Md said the Rempang Island locals must be relocated as the government had handed down the island management to the private sector. “This is not an evicting the locals but emptying the island as rightfully, the island management is handed to those who have the rights,” Mahfud said.

However, Mahfud also warned the law enforcers not to act excessively toward the locals who have been there for ages. “The use of violence is strictly prohibited unless it is emergency and required by the situation,” he said.