The government is committed to continuing to improve people’s welfare by continuing to make policies that are believed to advance the nation, such as the Rempang Eco City Project. Therefore, the Indonesian people must fully support sustainable development through this project. So it is hoped that we can be wary of provocations against projects included in the National Strategic Program (PSN).
Regarding the Rempang Project, it is a government policy that is included in the PSN list in accordance with the Regulation of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Number 7 of 2023 concerning the Third Amendment to the Regulation of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Number 7 of 2021 concerning Amendments to the List of National Strategic Projects. The Regulation of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy was ratified on August 28 2023.
The Rempang Eco-City Area project is estimated to have an investment value of IDR 381 trillion by 2080. Its existence is expected to improve the economy, not only in Batam, but also other districts/cities in the Riau Islands. It is estimated that the development of this area will absorb a workforce of around 306,000 people by 2080
Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia, the Rempang area is of interest to the world’s largest glass company from China, Xinyi Group. They plan to invest US$11.5 billion or the equivalent of Rp. 174 trillion by 2080.
The Rempang project has become one of the main topics in public discussion, with various elements of society supporting it. However, in the process of developing a project like this, parties often emerge who reject it and even try to provoke conflict.
Provocation is an act deliberately intended to create tension and conflict in society. In the context of the Rempang project, some parties opposing it may try to take advantage of the situation to create excessive disagreement and tension. Therefore, as a society, we need to take steps to prevent such provocations.
As a society, it is important to understand that everyone has the right to have a different opinion regarding the Rempang project. Democracy and freedom of expression are values that we must cherish. However, provocation is an action that undermines constructive dialogue and creates unnecessary tension.
Expert Expert for the Minister of Investment, Rizal Calvary Marimbo, asked other parties not to muddy the waters and provoke Rempang residents. Where this investment is important to encourage job creation. A number of steps have been taken to overcome the turmoil on Rempang Island. one of which is through a family communication approach with community leaders and local residents.
The public must remain calm and wise in responding to provocations. Condemning and responding to provocations with anger will only make the situation worse. Instead, we must prioritize meaningful dialogue and discussion to explain the benefits of the Rempang project to those who are skeptical.
Apart from that, the public must be able to recognize provocation efforts by parties who often try to spread false information or try to exploit sensitive issues. One of them circulated a chain message that 4,000 heads of families in Rempang, Galang, were threatened with eviction by the Batam Concession Agency (BP).
Confirming this news, the Head of Public Relations of the Riau Islands Regional Police, Police Commissioner Zahnawi Pandra Arsyad, said that the chain message from WhatsApp (WA) was a Hoax or fake news. The reason is that the Riau Islands Police and Barelang Police have never taken this action. Pandra appealed to the public to first check the veracity of the information received before distributing it again via WA or other social media platforms. The reason is, it will create a situation that is not safe and orderly.
The government and law enforcement agencies must play an active role in preventing and cracking down on provocations that could threaten the security and welfare of society. The law must be strictly enforced against those involved in provocation efforts.
The Rempang project has great potential to improve the quality of life and open up new economic opportunities for local communities. However, to achieve this goal, we need to maintain harmony in society and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Head of the Public Relations, Promotion and Protocol Bureau, Ariastuty Sirait, said that there would be many positive impacts for the community, both in the Barelang area and Indonesia on a larger scale due to the Rempang project. Apart from that, this project will create strategic partnerships between large companies and MSMEs. Thus, investment entering the region will have a positive impact on the development and economic development of the people.
The community is expected to remain calm, wise and alert to attempts at provocation so that they can ensure that the Rempang project runs smoothly and provides great benefits for the community.
