Bentrok Rempang Batam, Kapolri Talks About Compensation Prepared For Residents Related To Relocation

The National Police has confirmed that the Batam Entrepreneurship Agency (BP) has prepared compensation for residents on Pulau Rempang, Batam, regarding the regional development plan.

Previously, Rempang residents were involved in clashes with the joint police, TNI, Ditpam Batam Entrepreneurship Agency (BP) and Satpol PP who were securing the measurement process for the development of the Rempang area, Thursday, September 7.

"Of course, the steps taken by BP Batam are in accordance with the running, starting from deliberation, preparing for relocation, including compensation to people who may have used land or land in Rempang," said National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

Sigit said the measurement of the land in Rempangber was aimed at developing the area, but it was possible that the location was controlled by several community groups.

"There, there are activities related to the acquisition or return of land belonging to the Batam authorities which may currently be controlled by several community groups," said Sigit asserted.

The measurement, continued Sigit, was carried out because BP Batam would use the land for certain activities.

"Because there are activities that will be carried out by BP Batam (on land in Rempang)," said Sigit.

Sigit emphasized that the resolution of the conflict was resolved through deliberation and consensus between related parties.

"However, of course, efforts to deliberate, efforts to socialize settlements by deliberation and consensus are a priority, so that then the problems in Batam, in Rempang, can be resolved," said Sigit.

Previously, joint officers from the National Police, TNI, Ditpam of the Batam Concession Agency (BP), and Satpol PP were involved in clashes with residents of Rempangyang who were guarding the measurement process on Thursday.

The commotion broke out when joint officers arrived at the location. The commotion was triggered because residents still did not agree with the development of the area, which is a traditional village of the Malay people. As a result of the commotion, officers were forced to fire tear gas because of the unfavorable situation.

"There were dozens of students who I knew were taken by ambulances to the hospital for treatment. The tear gas was carried away by the wind, because it was noisy near our school," said Principal of SMP Negeri 22 Muhammad Nazib when met at the location.

Until now, joint officers are still on guard at the location until the situation is really conducive and the process of working on land measurements for the national strategic project can be completed today.

Meanwhile, BP Batam appealed to the people of Batam City not to be provoked by slanted issues related to measurements that will be carried out in the Rempang area.

This is in line with the circulation of information related to the repressive actions of the joint team consisting of the National Police, TNI, Ditpam BP Batam, and Satpol PP against the community who hindered the duties of personnel.