Riot Masses, Riau Islands Police Affirm Control Of Illegal Settlements In Batam According To Procedures

Head of Public Relations of the Riau Islands Police, Kombes Jansen Avitus Panjaitan, said that controlling illegal settlements in the Thousand Tank area, Batam City, Riau Islands was in accordance with applicable procedures.

He explained that in carrying out the control, joint officers from the TNI/Polri and Satpol PP had taken persuasive steps to maintain conduciveness.

Previously, there had also been a process and stages of socialization including compensation to residents as many as 500 families (KK) to receive the compensation process from the company.

"The company has also prepared land relocation for them, but there are still 50 families who still refuse the agreement," Jansen said in Batam as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, July 5.

Before carrying out the eviction, he said, his party had also persuaded residents to cooperate in controlling the illegal building.

"However, when there is no adequate response, control is the last option. Controlling illegal buildings aims to return the land to PT. Batamas Indah Permai according to its legality," he said.

In fact, the Deputy Chief of the Riau Islands Police, Brigadier General Agus Suharnoko, also came to the control location which was expected to control the illegal settlements more effectively, efficiently and maintain security and order during the operation.

He mentioned that 1,082 joint officers were deployed in the illegal settlement control activity. During the control, there was resistance from residents which resulted in several joint officers being injured.

"There was one Brimob member who was hit by an arrow. Then there was also one member of Sabara who was injured and one member of the Satpol PP," he said.

From the riots, his party also found several pieces of evidence, namely Molotov cocktails, arrows, and sharp weapons and arrested 14 people suspected of being provocateurs of the riots.

"We hope that with this action, security and order conditions can be maintained. We urge the public to continue to comply with applicable laws and regulations and maintain peace in this area. Thank you for the cooperation and understanding of all parties in this control process," said Jansen.