Government postpones vacancy deadline in Rempang

Regarding the deadline for moving, which was previously 28 September 2023, the Minister of Investment confirmed that the time given was longer. Currently, the deadline is being carefully calculated.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Pemerintah Mundurkan Tenggat Pengosongan di Rempang

NINA SUSILO

Investment Minister/Chairman of the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board, Bahlil Lahadalia, gave a statement after attending a closed meeting regarding the development of Rempang Eco City area at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, September 25th, 2023.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The government has confirmed the shift of around 961 families who occupy around 2,350 hectares of land on Rempang Island, Batam, Riau Islands, to the Tanjung Banon area which is still on the same island. The decision was taken after hearing the aspirations of residents. It is certain that the moving deadline is not September 28 2023.

Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia, in a press conference to accelerate the development of environmentally friendly investment in Rempang, in Jakarta, Monday (25/9/2023), said , according to President Joko Widodo's direction, solving problems in Rempang must be done in a subtle way.

"The president also directed us to listen to the aspirations of the public. Then, ensure the rights of the people, by focusing on the interests of the people," said Bahlil. The meeting at the BKPM office was held after Bahlil, along with several officials including the Mayor of Batam/Head of BP Batam Muhammad Rudi and the Governor of the Riau Islands, held a meeting at the Merdeka Palace."

Also Read: Government Will Continue to Move Rempang Residents

Regarding the deadline for relocation, which was previously set for September 28, 2023, Bahlil assures us that a longer period of time will be given. However, he has not yet confirmed the exact deadline for the emptying of the land.

KOMPAS/ZULKARNAINI

Residents of Aceh Province who are members of the Muslim Brotherhood and Sisterhood Forum of Aceh Province held a solidarity action for residents of Pulau Rempang, Batam City, Riau Islands Province on Saturday (23/9/2023).

"We are giving more time than that (until September 28, 2023). However, there must also be limits. We are calculating everything, searching for the best alternatives. This is so that our brothers and sisters can transition smoothly, while efforts from investors can also be carried out according to the plan," said Bahlil.

Bahlil stated that there is a land of 500 square meters prepared in Tanjung Banon. The land to be given is not a land of building utility rights, but a property right. "This is the President's direct policy," he said.

The houses to be built are of type 45 with a price tag of IDR 120 million. While waiting for the house's completion, residents will receive a waiting allowance of IDR 1.2 million per person per month (a family of four will receive IDR 4.8 million per month) and a housing contract allowance of IDR 1.2 million per family per month.

Regarding the approximately 900 families that will be relocated, Bahlil explained that 300 of them have already committed to conducting voluntary self-census. The census will be ensured to continue.

"We also agreed that in regard to the relocation to Tanjung Banon, the settlement will be developed nicely by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing. Additionally, a bridge and a fish auction place (TPI) will be built, which have not existed so far. Schools will also be provided, and sanitation will be considered. Furthermore, a mosque from corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs will be established," said Bahlil.

Budget

Bahlil added that his party is currently calculating the total budget needed. The main , he said, is that the people will be guaranteed to get their rights. "What has been decided becomes the government's guarantee. Where (the source) comes from, that is a matter for the government and BP Batam. "What is clear is according to the rules," he said.

Regarding community involvement, he also confirmed that there would be a multiplier effect from the construction of Rempang Eco City that would be felt by the community, for example regarding contractors (project work). However, he added, it must meet the requirements or be professional. If not, a job that meets the requirements will be sought.

KOMPAS/YOLA SASTRA

Lamat (65), a member of the Orang Darat tribe, sat in the kitchen of his home in Sungai Sadap Village, Rempang Cate Sub-district, Galang District, Rempang Island, Batam City, Riau Islands on Saturday (16/9/2023).

Also read: The story of marginalized land people amidst the development of Rempang Island

In addition, regarding food supply in project implementation, the community will also be involved. Everyone will be an integral part of the agreement. The involvement of the community, according to him, will continue to be ensured.

Bahlil acknowledged that there was a misunderstanding at the beginning regarding communication with the public. "However, we have made corrections. One of the methods of improvement is to directly engage in discussions with the people. We meet with local community leaders. Going forward, I can guarantee that we will use humane and familial patterns," he said.

Batam Mayor/Head of Batam Free Trade Zone and Free Port Management Agency (BP Batam), Muhammad Rudi, mentioned that following a decision made by the central government, there are currently two locations for the relocation of Rempang residents. The first is Dapur 3 Pulau Galang and Tanjung Banon, which are still located on the island of Rempang.

Out of the total land area of 7,572 hectares that will become the site for the development of Rempang Eco City, 2,350 hectares with 961 families will be relocated to Tanjung Banon. "Earlier, the construction of roads, social facilities, public facilities, schools, and hospitals were handled by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing," said Rudi.

Previously, dozens of residents from 16 villages on Rempang Island, Batam, still refused to be relocated and would continue to fight to protect their homes from being vacated. According to them, their inner ties to the land they were born in make them powerless if they have to leave the village (Kompas.id, 25/9/2023).