Regrets Clashes On Pulau Rempang, Puan Asks Officials To Be More Humane

Officers cleaned the rest of the trees and tires that were burned by residents in the middle of the road while securing land measurements for the development of the Rempang Eco City project, Thursday (7/9). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, regretted the clashes that occurred on the island of Rempang, Batam, Riau Islands (Kepri) between residents and the joint apparatus from the TNI, Polri, Satpol PP, and the Directorate of Security of the Batam Entrepreneurship Agency (BP). It is necessary to take a humane approach that prioritizes persuasion with residents.

"Even if there is a rejection from the community, there should be no repressive action. The apparatus should be more humane and persuasive in dialogue with the residents," said Puan, Friday, September 8.

It is known that the clash was triggered by the rejection of the indigenous peoples of Pulau Rempang on the development of industrial estates on island areas covering an area of 17 thousand hectares. The project, which was labeled with a national strategic project to build industrial, trade and tourism areas, is a National Strategic Project (PSN) in 2023 as Rempang Eco City.

Clashes occurred when a joint team tried to break through the community guarding the IV Barelang Bridge on Rempang Island because they refused to carry out measurements and install batok in the area.

The blocking was carried out by residents by burning a number of tires and tearing down trees on the access road to the Rempang area. Even so, officers still forced their way in to install stakes, and fired tear gas and water cannon to break up the riots.

As a result of gunfire from tear gas, elementary school students on Pulau Rempang shouted hysterically scared. Not only that, a number of SMPN 22 students who were 100 meters from the Trans Barelang Road section were also victims of the clashes.

The tear gas swab that was fired into the air by the authorities was carried to the school complex and made students and teachers almost faint, and some even fled to forest areas to avoid stuffy air due to tear gas.

Puan said that the use of tear gas should no longer be carried out.

"If there is a riot, use another approach. We should learn from previous experience that the use of tear gas can have a fatal impact," said the first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives.

"Moreover, tear gas is used in the midst of an environment where many residents and school students. Of course, it makes residents and children afraid. The atmosphere becomes very tense because there is gunfire in the middle of clashes," continued Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture assessed that refusals in development were common. According to Puan, these rejections should be addressed in humanitarian and persuasive ways.

"Especially if this development is for the sake of improving the people's economy, then do not harm the people," he said.

Puan also emphasized the importance of socio-cultural studies considering that Pulau Rempang is closely related to the existence of indigenous peoples who to this day try to maintain their living space. He asked the Government to find a middle way regarding this problem, including how to respond to residents who refuse to be relocated.

"The Rempang area has a unique cultural wealth. The government must respect and protect this cultural heritage in the process of land acquisition. This must be done with respect and care," said Puan.

The security forces were reminded again to be more humane and persuasive than forcing their way in. This, said Puan, was in accordance with the statement of the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who said that deliberation and socialization should be a priority to solve problems.

"Humanist and persuasive approaches to land acquisition in Rempang Batam need to be carried out to avoid clashes and resistance that have the potential to end with victims," said Bung Karno's grandson.

Clashes on the island of Rempang caused 8 people to be arrested for carrying dangerous items.

If there is a criminal act, please proceed legally. But that does not mean that the repressive steps of the apparatus are justified. Moreover, the use of tear gas has a dangerous effect on health, especially for children," said Puan.