Minister Bahlil Ensures Projects On Pulau Rempang Don't Dismantle Tombs Of Malay Ancestors

The Minister of Investment who is also the Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia when he met residents of Rempang at one of the houses of a Malay figure, Monday (18/9). (ANTARA/Yude)

JAKARTA - Investment Minister and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that he would not reveal the graves of the ancestors of the Malay community on Pulau Rempang, Batam, Riau Islands (Kepri).

Bahlil said this considering that investment projects on the island are still ongoing.

"For our predecessors' graves, I will not allow them to be demolished. Later this will be fenced, made a gate, so that it can be comfortable on pilgrimages," said Bahlil Lahadalia while visiting residents of Rempang, Batam, Riau Islands, Monday, September 18, confiscated by Antara. His party has also made a proposal to build a museum on the island to show the identity of the Malay community's life on Pulau Rempang. "This is still a process, it has not been approved by the center," said Bahlil.

In addition, regarding the residents' request for a relocation location that remains on the island of Rempang, Bahlil said he would discuss this further with the relevant ministries.

"Later, where is the location of the Rempang land, we will also ask for input from representatives of the ladies and gentlemen. We will open a map of the Rempang area together," said Bahlil Lahadalia. Previously, the relocation location that had been determined by the government was in Dapur 3 Sijantung, Galang Island, Batam City, Riau Islands. In that place, the government has prepared a relocation area of 450 hectares. A total of 2,700 type 45 houses will be built. Each house will stand on 500 square meters of land. In addition to housing, the government will also prepare pipeline water installations, electricity, roads, telecommunications, fishermen's docks, and loading and unloading ports. Fishermen's families will also receive fishing gear assistance.