Han Revanda Putra, Jakarta – Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia claimed that Rempang residents do not reject investment. Ombudsman suspected the residents who were involved in the dialogue were mainly supporters of the Rempang Eco-City project.
"They do not object to investment. They said that until hell freezes over, Rempang won't grow without investment. So they welcome [the project] and I'm proud of them," he said during a meeting in Jakarta today.
However, Bahlil mentioned that the residents asked for the government to honor the existence of Kampung Melayu residents, for they have resided in the location for generations. "And they were right. There's nothing wrong with what they said," Bahlil remarked.
According to Minister Bahlil, Rempang residents do not wish to be relocated to Galang Island. "We are not people of Galang, we are people of Rempang," he quoted them. "And if they are relocated, they can't lose their source of income as they are fishermen."
In addition, Bahlil stated that Rempang residents want to be involved in the project, not only as workers but as the subjects and objects of the investment. "So they could potentially be the entrepreneurs, the contractors, or the suppliers," he said.
Rempang residents also want the cemeteries to be left alone.
Earlier, a member of Ombudsman Johanes Widjantoro mentioned that the dialogue with Rempang residents only involved three people as the representatives. Meanwhile, the dialogue left out residents who objected to the plan.
"At this time, we found that no one in the location agreed to relocation," Johanes said on Friday, September 29, 2023.