Jakarta, IO – Clashes between officers and residents on Rempang Island, Riau Archipelago, resulted in 11 people suffering from the effect of tear gas. According to the police, they have returned to their homes after receiving medical treatment.
The clash started with rejection of the indigenous people to be relocated as a result of a national strategic project called Rempang Eco City. There are 16 traditional villages on Rempang Island and Galang Island, Riau Archipelago, whose residents are at risk of being displaced, and the community is also worried about losing their properties, per BBC Indonesia, Saturday (9/9).
The incident began when news circulated among Rempang residents on Wednesday (6/9) that the Batam Free Trade Zone and Free Port Concession Agency (BP Batam) and the authorities would force their way into Rempang to take measurement of their land.
In response, on Thursday (7/9) morning residents gathered at Bridge 4 Barelang. At around 9:51am WIB, they saw hundreds of joint personnel consisting of Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), Police, TNI and Batam Ditpam forming a line in front of the bridge.
The joint apparatus then moved towards the residents standing at the end of the bridge. Balerang Police Chief Nugroho with a loudspeaker appealed to the residents to step back.
Riau Islands Police spokesperson Zahwani Pandra Arsyad said the community, acting on behalf of the Rempang residents, first threw stones and glass bottles at the security personnel and blocked the road access to Barelang 4 Bridge. Some also brought sharp weapons.
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Zahwani Pandra claimed police were forced to fire tear gas to control the escalating situation because the rioters tried to enter a school complex where teachers and students were still inside.
Zahwani said that the residents had been informed about the plan since July. He said the situation has been calm after Batam authorities held a dialogue with the community. (rr)