Riau Islands Governor Guarantees Batam Safe Tourists After Clashes On Pulau Rempang

Riau Islands Governor (Kepri) Ansar Ahmad. (Between)

The Governor of the Riau Islands (Kepri) Ansar Ahmad ensured that Riau Islands, especially Batam City, were safe and comfortable for tourists.

Ansar said that following clashes between residents and officers that broke out on Pulau Rempang due to the plan to build Rempang Eco City.

"God willing, Riau Islands, especially Batam will remain a safe and comfortable city for tourists to travel," he said in Tanjungpinang, Wednesday, September 13, which was confiscated by Antara.

Ansar said that the Riau Islands Provincial Government (Pemprov) together with the City Government (Pemkot) and the Batam Entrepreneurship Agency (BP), the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (FKPD) and the Malay Traditional Institute (LAM) had met.

The meeting resulted in a request so that all people could work together to maintain conduciveness in the Riau Islands, especially on the island of Rempang Batam so that tourism activities and the economy would not be disrupted.

He also appealed to all tourism and travelers not to hesitate to continue traveling to Riau Islands. Both to Batam, Bintan, Tanjungpinang, Lingga, Karimun, Anambas to Natuna.

"We will prioritize the safety of tourists, of course, both local and foreign," said Ansar.

As for the circulation of issues that say that Riau Islands are not safe and tourists are advised not to visit for a while, especially Batam. According to Governor Ansar, this is only an issue.

Ansar has asked law enforcement officers such as the Police, TNI and BIN Kepri to conduct searches so that such information does not spread more widely and take action against the perpetrators.

"The Batam issue is not safe for tourists, it is not true. If the issue is like that, it means provocative," said Ansar.

Meanwhile, the day before, Tuesday (12/9), Ansar continued, all parties agreed not to immediately believe in various forms of provocative issues, especially regarding the relocation of the island of Rempang Galang in Batam for investment activities which were later marked by rejection and demonstrations by local residents.

"Once again, we make sure that the Batam and Riau Islands situation is generally controlled and conducive to anyone," he concluded.