Eight residents of Rempang Island in Riau Islands Province were injured and dozens of motorized vehicles were damaged after dozens of people attacked local residents early Wednesday morning, December 18, 2024 over a land dispute in an investment project.
“The residents were attacked by dozens of people who were indicated to be employees of PT Makmur Elok Graha,” Andi Alatas BG, Director of Pekanbaru Legal Aid Institute, said
The company is under Artha Graha Group, which owned the Eco-City Project in Rempang Island.
In 2023, the Indonesian government announced a plan to develop an “Eco-City” on Rempang Island, led by the Batam Indonesia Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam) in collaboration with private investors. The project, which includes investments in renewable energy, modern industries, and tourism, is expected to attract foreign investment, particularly in the solar panel and glass manufacturing industries.
The development plan requires the relocation of local residents, some of whom have lived on the island for decades. The government has offered compensation packages and resettlement in new housing projects. However, many residents resisted, citing historical claims to the land, cultural heritage, and concerns over inadequate compensation.
In September 2023, clashes between residents and security forces occurred as authorities attempted to enforce the relocation plan. Reports of tear gas and other heavy-handed measures led to public outcry and criticism of the government’s handling of the situation.
Human rights groups and local NGOs intervened, calling for a suspension of the project and greater respect for the community’s rights.
Alatas called on President Prabowo Subianto and the House of Representatives (DPR) to ensure the protection of Rempang’s indigenous and local communities over their customary territories and at the same time to firmly cancel the entire development plan of the Rempang Eco-city project.
“The National Police Chief must order his ranks to carry out serious and firm law enforcement on all incidents of intimidation and violence committed against the Rempang community,” he added.
He also called on the National Human Right Commission (Komnas HAM) to monitor and act decisively on the series of human rights violations that occurred in Rempang, as well as coordinate and ensure protection schemes for all indigenous people there.
