TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Barelang Police Chief Comr. Nugroho Tri Nuryanto said on Thursday that an team consisting of the Indonesian Military (TNI), Police, Batam Free Zone Authority (BP Batam), and Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) would ensure that Rempang Island would be vacant by September 28, 2023.

“By September 28, Rempang Island will be clean and clear to be handed over to the developer PT MEG,” Barelang Police Chief Sr. Comr. Nugroho Tri Nuryanto on Thursday evening, September 7, 2023.

Nugroho explained that the area needs to be vacated because, as stated by the Head of BP Batam, Muhammad Rudi, a glass factory will be built in Rempang, which is likely to cause air pollution for the local residents.

“[Air pollution] can affect breathing and lungs, so we need to relocate and move the residents in the area,” he added.

Other than relocation, the team would continue to take measurements to determine the area. The team would again take action against the blockade attempts. 

Zenzi Suhadi, the executive director of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), lamented that the development of the Rempang Eco-City area as one of the national strategic projects did not involve the local people. The government also ignored the voices of the 16 Kampung Melayu Tua or literally Old Malay Villages.

Walhi and civil coalitions urged President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to cancel the project which has led to clashes and has the potential to eliminate land rights and the customary identity of the local people.

Clash on Rempang Island

Clashes broke out between the joint forces and residents along the road to Sembulang village, Rempang Island, where the Chinese glass factory will be located. The clash started at Bridge 4 Barelang when the officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowd blocking the road.

Eight residents were arrested by the police and dozens were injured. Hundreds of students from nearby schools were told to return home following the tear gas.

YOGI EKA SAHPUTRA

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