Riri Rahayu, Jakarta – Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia canceled plans to relocate the people of Rempang Island, Batam, to Galang Island. He said this was in line with the people's aspirations.

"So, we shifted it to Tanjung Banon which is still on Rempang Island. It's only three kilometers away [from Rempang]," Bahlil said in a press conference at the Investment Ministry on Monday, September 25, 2023.

He acknowledged that most Rempang residents make their living from the sea, so the relocation destination is close by. He also pledged that the government would not relocate the community graves, but rather renovate them.

In Tanjung Banon, he said the government would provide compensation in the form of 500 square meters of land and a type 45 house worth Rp120 million with an ownership certificate. "Not HGB (building use rights), but property rights. This is a direct policy from the President," he added.

While waiting for the relocation site to be ready, Bahlil said the government would grant Rp1.2 million per person and the house rent of Rp1.2 million per month. This compensation will be given until the construction of houses at the relocation site is completed.

Bahlil also assured that the government would calculate compensation costs for people who own fish ponds, plants, or boats. The government would also involve Rempang communities in the investment.

The resettlement deadline originally set for September 28, 2023, has also been postponed. However, Bahlil could not yet confirm the new date.

The government is determined to develop Rempang Island into Rempang Eco City, an integrated industrial, trade, and tourism region. The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs launched the project on April 12, 2023.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1776430/govt-changes-rempang-relocation-plan-to-tanjung-bano