Minister Bahlil also confirmed that China’s Xinyi Group’s $11.5 billion (Rp 182.7 trillion) investment in Rempang, Batam, Kepulauan Riau, will proceed according to the original plan.

“Xinyi Group’s investment is not facing any issues. It’s a matter of time. If you (the media) could assist in conveying that the residents of Rempang are open to this investment, it would be greatly appreciated. This would expedite the process,” he stated.

Despite facing certain challenges in the process of relocating Rempang residents, the government remains committed to moving forward with the investment in the area. Minister Bahlil indicated that there is a defined target for the groundbreaking, but specific details about the Rempang Eco City project were not disclosed.

Previously, on September 7, 2023, riot police were dispatched to Rempang to manage a situation where residents were attempting to obstruct local authorities conducting land measurement for the development project.

President Jokowi attributed the incident to a breakdown in communication between local authorities and the island’s residents, stating that “there is an existing agreement stipulating that each family will receive 500 square meters of land and a 45-square-meter house. Unfortunately, this information was not effectively conveyed, leading to the recent incident.”

Under a mediation led by Bahlil, 70% of the residents of Pasir Panjang in Rempang agreed to relocate. Pasir Panjang is one of the five villages prioritized for relocation, with 150 households residing in the area. The government’s commitment to transparent communication and sustainable development in the region remains a top priority.