Ombudsman Finds Maladministration In Eco-City Rempang Development

Clashes between the authorities and residents in Rempang Eco City. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ombudsman found maladministration in the development of the Rempang Eco-City project on Rempang Island, Batam, Riau Islands. The findings are the result of an investigation conducted by the Ombudsman in September 2023.

"Basically, the Ombudsman found maladministration related to negligence, protracted delays and non-procedural steps in the context of the development of Rempang Eco-City," said RI Ombudsman Member Johanes Widijantoro, at a press conference, in Jakarta, Monday, January 29.

Johanes admitted that he had submitted the report on the results of the examination (LHP) to a number of parties. For example, the Batam Area Concession Agency (BP Batam), the National Police, the Ministry of ATR/BPN to the Ministry of Investment/Investment Coordinating Agency (BKPM).

Furthermore, Johanes also revealed several recommendations issued by the Ombudsman. First, to the police, the Ombudsman highlighted the actions taken to people who refused to relocate.

Johanes said the Ombudsman asked the police to prioritize restorative justice in dealing with people who refuse to be relocated.

"What is the Ombudsman's argument? More because we know that actually when we talk about criminal law crimes, they are actually trying to fight for what is in their interest in being able to stay there," he said.

"But then the police also have arguments or reasons why then their actions lead to criminal law enforcement," he continued.

Furthermore, Johanes said the Ombudsman's recommendation for the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), the Ombudsman is related to the transfer or granting of rights to the community, including in the form of land utilization rights (HPL).

Johanes asked the Ministry of ATR/BPN to implement it in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

"So of course, in many ways, we talk about the principle of non-discrimination, whoever submits the rights should be processed according to existing regulations, including in this case for the case of developing Rempang Eco-City," he said.

For BP Batam, continued Johanes, the Ombudsman asked to see the rules regarding the existence of an old village, in this context it also involves villages on the island of Rempang.

The reason, he said, was that in 2004 during the regulatory process to legalize people living in traditional villages on the island of Rempang, it was just that the process was stopped and finally threatened with the National Strategic Project (PSN).

"We underline that in law, in laws and regulations all talk about prioritizing deliberation. So if until today we still hear that there are many of our people who still refuse to be relocated, of course this is a separate homework for BP Batam and also the Batam City Government to find the best solution," he said.

Meanwhile, for the Ministry of Investment/BKPM, continued Johanes, his party emphasized more about coordination with the parties involved in the Rempang Eco-City project.

"When it comes to the acceleration team in the BKPM, I think earlier we emphasized more on the aspect of coordination between related parties," he explained.