Regarding Clashes On Pulau Rempang, DPR: Don't Lose The People, Our Time Is More Cruel Than The New Order

Residents blocked the road on Bridge 4 which connects Batam Island, Rempang Island, and Galang Island to protest the construction of Rempang Eco City on August 21, 2023. (Between Teguh Prihatna)

JAKARTA - Commission VI of the DPR RI regrets the clash between the security forces and the people of Pulau Rempang, Batam, in the aftermath of residents' rejection of the construction of Rempang Eco City which is part of the National Strategic Project (PSN). The deadline for tight relocation is also suspected to be a trigger for the lack of dialogue between residents and the Government.

"The change in status to PSN which seemed suddenly also felt odd. Is it impossible for the project location to be moved or shifted so there is no need to expel the people or vacate the island for this investment?" said Member of Commission VI DPR RI, Luluk Nur Hamidah, Wednesday, September 20.

Residents' clashes with security forces on the island of Rempang began with the Government's decision to include the RempangEco-City Project into the PSN in 2023. The decision was regulated in the Regulation of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Number 7 of 2023 which was signed on August 28, 2023.

The Batam City Government through the Batam Entrepreneurship Agency (BP) also has only a few months to conduct socialization related to the Rempang Eco City project. Thousands of residents are scheduled to have left their homes on Pulau Rempang as of September 28.

Luluk also assessed that the refusal of local residents to build the RempangEco-City project was triggered by the lack of dialogue. In addition to the deadline for emptying the island of Rempang which seemed sudden, a number of repressive behavior of the security forces when disbanding residents who refused to be relocated were also considered to have played a role in causing clashes.

"This should have been prevented. This violence should have also been avoided if this project was not forced to precede the dialogue process with residents," explained Luluk.

"Repressive ways for development are over. We are no longer living in the New Order era, why are we more cruel than the New Order!" he added.

In a video circulating on social media, it can be seen the repressive behavior of the security forces towards residents. Even as a result of the tear gas fired by the authorities, students who attended the scene of the clash also felt the impact.

Luluk said the use of tear gas, water canons and fully armed riot troops who acted repressively against residents was something that needed to be investigated. The authorities are suspected of having violated human rights (Human Rights).

"I also regret that the authorities directed tear gas shots at schools that traumatized students," said Luluk.

"I also support the further investigation by Komnas HAM to see aspects of human rights violations comprehensively," continued this member of the Legislation Body (Baleg) of the DPR.

According to Luluk, the reports of threats and intimidation received by the people of Pulau Rempang made the alleged human rights violations clearer. He regretted this incident, because investment projects should not harm the community.

"Threats and intimidation should not be exposed under the pretext of PSN. Investment is indeed important, but protecting citizens, including the rights of indigenous peoples as well as constitutional obligations," said Luluk.

"Investment for development should not harm the people," continued the member of the Commission in the DPR in charge of investment affairs and SOEs.

Luluk assessed that the clashes that occurred on Pulau Rempang also had a psychological impact on people who were victims of the repressive actions of the security forces, especially for children and women. Therefore, he hopes that there will be mental improvement assistance for the victims provided by the Government.

"That the situation in Rempang also creates fear for mothers. This kind of conflict will certainly cause trauma and fear, and women and children will be the ones who suffer the most," he said.

Following the clashes that occurred, Luluk encouraged the Government to first stop the RempangEco-City development project until there was a fair meeting point, especially for the people of Rempang. He compared how various developed countries prioritized the long socialization process and dialogue in implementing policies so that there was no rejection from residents.

"I witnessed firsthand that a new business center in China was being built on a large scale, but there was no story of local residents being expelled, instead they were guaranteed and protected," said Luluk.

On the other hand, the legislator from the Central Java IV electoral district supports the Government's steps in efforts to build this country. However, Luluk reminded that development should not only focus on infrastructure development, but also on the welfare of the community.

"The island of Rempang is not just a place but an area rich in history, tradition, and culture that has been attached to local identity for hundreds of years," he explained.

"This is a historical root that must be respected and maintained in every development step. The government should not only look at the economic potential of big projects, but also how these projects will affect and may change the cultural and traditional identity of an area," Luluk continued.

Luluk also hopes that the Government will not consider big projects only as opportunities for economic growth, but also as an opportunity to create harmony between development and the interests of the people.

"National Strategic Projects must be a tool to achieve greater goals, such as improving people's welfare and preserving local culture," he concluded.