Ganjar Pranowo: The Conflict On The Island Of Rempang Must Be Resolved Immediately By The Government Through Dialogue With The People

Ganjar Pranowo after a discussion with the Indonesian University Alumni Forum at the Djakarta Theater, Sunday (17/9/2023). (Special)

JAKARTA - The 2024 PDIP presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo asked the government to immediately resolve the Rempang Island conflict. He proposed that the resolution of the Rempang Island conflict prioritize dialogue and listen to the public.

"The government must immediately intervene to resolve this. Don't take long. My suggestion is that this issue be resolved to its roots and opened so that the community is clear. Put forward dialogue and listen to the public," said Ganjar when met after a discussion with the Indonesian Higher Education Alumni Forum at Djakarta Theater, Sunday (17/9/2023).

Ganjar asked the government to immediately summon several actors involved in the conflict to sit down together. The problems that occur must be clear and open, nothing should be covered up.

"There is a regional head, there is a manager there, yes. Call everyone for a joint dialogue to solve the problem," he said.

Asked about the temporary suspension of relocation, Ganjar said it could be done. As long as it is based on the agreement of all parties.

"Everything can be done, whatever the policy is, immediately call them, including representations from the community because we must also listen to it," he explained.

He encouraged the Rempang conflict not to drag on. The reason is, it will set a bad precedent and the conflict can trigger conflicts in other areas.

"The government must immediately intervene. Don't take too long. Moreover, the apparatus, we must be able to resolve it. Finish it very quickly. If it can't be resolved, then it will be an inspiration for others," he concluded.

As is known, the plan for the Rempang Eco-City project on the island of Rempang, Batam City, Riau Islands, sparked a conflict between the government and local residents. Residents rejected the project and were involved in clashes with the authorities.

The Eco-City Project of Rempang Island is included in the National Strategic Project (PSN) which was initiated in 2004. The project stands on the residences of thousands of residents.

According to information from the Ministry of ATR/BPN, the status of the land that is the location of the project inhabited by the community is a forest area. There is no right to land on it, even though it has been inhabited by residents for a long time.