Ketum PBNU: Cases In Rempang Should Be Solved Through Deliberations, Don't Confiscate Public Rights

Residents of Pulau Rempang, Riau Islands participated in the 87th Thursday Action opposite the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (14/9/2023). (ANTARA PHOTO/Sigid Kurniawan/tom.)

JAKARTA - The Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board stated that the settlement of cases on Pulau Rempang, Riau Islands, could actually be resolved through deliberation and consensus with the community.

"PBNU asks the government to seriously prioritize deliberation and avoid a coercive approach," said PBNU General Chair Yahya Cholil Staquf, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, September 15.

In PBNU's view, he said, the Rempang-Galang issue was a problem related to the use of land for development projects.

This kind of problem continues to repeat itself due to policies that are not participatory, which do not involve stakeholders in the policy planning process to its implementation.

Therefore, PBNU requested that the communication pattern of policy makers related to the community be addressed in order to minimize the friction that occurred.

"PBNU encourages the government to immediately improve communication patterns and immediately present solutions to solving this problem. And ensure that weak groups (mustadhafins) are fulfilled, and affirmation and facilitation are given," he said.

PBNU also encourages the central and regional governments to further convince the public about the importance of national strategic projects and their benefits for the general public.

"As well as ensuring that there is no confiscation of rights and potential damage to the environment and natural resources," he said.

In line with PBNU, General Secretary of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board (PP) Abdul Mu'ti said the problems on Pulau Rempang should be resolved with a calm mind and a spacious heart.

"The problem should be resolved by deliberation, looking for the middle way that is the most beneficial, not (the problem) winning or losing," said Abdul Mu'ti.

He also asked all parties to calm down so that the problem would not get wild and out of control. Abdul Mu'ti said there needed to be clarity on the matter, especially ahead of the 2024 General Election and the political year that determines the future of the nation.

Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo firmly asked the security forces not to act repressively to the public, especially in relation to national strategic projects.

"I always remind you not to use repressive approaches to the community," said Joko Widodo.