President Jokowi Calls for Amicable Settlement over Rempang Issue

President Jokowi chairs a limited meeting on land issue in Rempang island, Monday (09/25), at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta (Photo by: PR Office of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo chaired a limited meeting on land dispute in Rempang island, Monday (09/25), at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. In the limited meeting, President Jokowi emphasized that the settlement of Rempang issue should be made well by putting forward the importance of the local people.

It was stated by Minister for Investment/Head of Investment Coordinating Board, Bahlil Lahadalia, in his press statement after attending the limited meeting.

“Bapak President in the first meeting instructed to reach settlement on Rempang issue in a well manner and a more familial way, and still put forward the rights and importance of the local people,” Bahlil mentioned.

Bahlil explained that a few days ago he had visited Rempang island and had a meeting with the local people. He added that the meeting came up with a solution which was to move the local people’s houses in an area of Rempang island, not to relocate or to evict them out of the island.

“We were about to relocate them from Rempang [island] to Galang [island], but now the plan is to move them to another kampong that is still situated in Rempang island,” he said.

Minister for Investment further explained that the local people who will be moved to Tanjung Banun area, out of totally 900 family heads, as many as 300 family heads agree to be moved. Those who agree to be moved, Bahlil stated, will be given appreciation in the form of 500-square-meter land and ownership certificate, and also a type 45-house.

“For those with houses bigger than type 45-house with price of Rp120 million, Public Appraisal Services Office will examine the value, and they will be given the same value,” he explained.

In addition, Bahlil further explained that during the transition period, the local people will receive a compensation as much as Rp1.2 million per person and some money to pay rent amounting to Rp1.2 million per family, including compensation for plants and fish cages according to prevailing regulations of the Batam Industrial Development Authority (BP Batam).

Bahlil also emphasized that out of 17 thousand hectares of land in Rempang island, only around 8 thousand hectares of land will be managed, and industrial development will only use 2,300 hectares of land. (FID/UN)(AW/MUR)