TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Transmigration Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara announced that the industrial development project on Rempang Island has been temporarily suspended.
He made the statement after attending a coordination meeting with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) in Jakarta on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
According to Sulaiman, the project will remain on hold until all Rempang residents are relocated.
"This is the latest update. Please have it confirmed with BP Batam. The industrial project on Rempang is likely suspended until the community gives their acceptance," Sulaiman told reporters at a press conference at the Komnas HAM Office.
He emphasized that relocation will not be forced and must be carried out with the residents’ full awareness.
A letter has been submitted to the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, with a copy to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, requesting that those who refuse relocation be given the chance to undergo verification as customary law communities.
"This will help ensure compliance with regulations and allow them to obtain customary or communal land rights. We are aiming for a win-win solution," he said.
Sulaiman also guaranteed that there would be no further use of force in implementing the National Strategic Project (PSN).
"From a strategic operational standpoint, once again, there will be no evictions. This has been agreed upon with the Head and Deputy Head of BP Batam, as well as with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor," he said.
However, Sulaiman’s remarks appear to contradict the position of Deputy Minister of Investment and Head of Downstream Industry, Todotua Pasaribu. He previously stated that the government would proceed with the PSN development on Rempang, including accelerating land permit processes.
"We are pushing for the development framework, including speeding up land permits. The land we utilize will eventually support the realization of the Rempang and Galang projects," Todotua said during the inauguration of a solder manufacturing company owned by President Prabowo Subianto's brother, Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, in Batam City, Riau Islands Province, on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
Responding to public resistance to the relocation, Todotua stated that land acquisition efforts are already underway. He added that the Ministry of Transmigration has begun implementing a settlement program on Rempang Island.
"The Ministry of Transmigration is already working on residential development there. The Immigration Ministry is also involved. We are combining these efforts with industrial construction to stimulate the economic cycle," he said.
Yogi Eka Sahputra contributed to the writing of this article.
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