Commission III Of The House Of Representatives Wants Not To Let Officials Clash In Rempang

Illustrations - Clashes of officers and residents in Rempang Eco City. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

Member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives Abdullah asked the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to ensure stability and security on Pulau Rempang, Batam City, Riau Islands (Kepri) after the clash that occurred between residents and security officers of PT MEG.

Abdullah reminded that the police in collaboration with the TNI in overcoming the conflict in Rempang must be able to work professionally. This is because there are reports that the authorities have allowed the attack on the residents of Pulau Rempang by PT MEG officers.

"Don't let the officers commit violence. Police officers assisted by the TNI must be able to ensure public security. Law enforcement officers must also be fair and transparent in carrying out their duties," Abdullah said, Friday, December 20.

Abdullah assessed that the Government must immediately take strategic steps in resolving this conflict. Moreover, the conflict in Rempang is not the only time this has happened.

"Present a humanist approach to citizens, not violence. Rejection must not be without reason, the government must ensure that the rights of citizens are fulfilled," explained the Legislator of the Central Java VI electoral district.

The member of the Commission in the DPR in charge of law enforcement affairs also emphasized that the Police must be able to ensure security stability in Rempang. Abdullah also supports the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) which went directly to oversee the handling of the attack case on Pulau Rempang by the Riau Police and the Barelang Police.

"Security stability is important for development progress. Apart from Kompolnas, we also encourage Komnas HAM to oversee this case so that people's rights are not neglected," he said.

According to Abdullah, this bloody clash became a black record in handling development conflicts in Indonesia. He emphasized that the construction of the National Strategic Project of Rempang Eco-City should not harm the community, including the rights of indigenous citizens.

"All parties must ensure the security of the Rempang community, including access to health services for victims of violence and legal assistance," he said.

Abdullah also reminded the Government to ensure that every development policy is carried out by considering the principles of social justice, environmental sustainability, and sustainability. He asked for a review of the construction of the Rempang Eco-City project if it did not side with the people.

Development should not ignore the voices of the people and the local cultural aspects. We hope that the government and society can find the best solution without violence," Abdullah said.

Reportedly, riots occurred on Rempang Island on Wednesday, December 18, in the early hours of the morning. Dozens of people attacked a number of post residents in Sembulang Hulu Village and Sei Buluh Village, Sembulang Village, Galang District.

As a result of this incident, 8 residents were injured, one of whom was critical. There was even a resident who was hit by arrows. In addition to the injured victims, dozens of motorized vehicles belonging to residents were reported to have been damaged as a result of the attack. Residents' posts were also seriously damaged.

For information, the Rempang conflict began with the presence of an individual who was suspected of being a representative of PT MEG removing a banner for making fun of residents about the National Strategic Project (PSN) of Rempang Eco City in the Sembulang area. Unscrupulous PT MEG workers broke the banner against the residents and then handed it over to the police.

Before the police came to the location, there was an argument between residents and people from PT MEG who came to pick up their friends. After the police came for mediation, residents were not satisfied because they had always been intimidated. So the quarrel continued until there was a clash.

The residents demanded the cancellation of the PSN Rempang Eco-City development plan for ignoring the social and cultural aspects of the local community. The construction of Rempang Eco-City is a PSN carried out by the Batam City Government, Batam Authority, and PT Makmur Elok Graha with the aim of making Rempang a new economic engine in Indonesia.