Batam, Batamnews - The Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (BP Batam) continues its plan to relocate residents of Pulau Rempang who are affected by the investment project for a glass factory covering an area of 17,000 hectares.

Despite facing resistance from residents of Kampung Tua on Pulau Rempang and Galang, BP Batam assures that this step will still be carried out by preparing facilities and plots for residents who are willing to relocate.

The Head of BP Batam, Muhammad Rudi, explained that for this relocation, they have prepared plots of land covering 500 square meters, an increase from the initial allocation of only 200 square meters. These plots of land are already certified.

The location of these plots will be on Pulau Galang, adjacent to Pulau Rempang to the south. Not only that, BP Batam will also construct Type 45 houses in that area.

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"We will also grant the Right of Building (Hak Guna Bangunan) for the land and the houses built on it. In addition, the Annual Fee for 30 years will be waived," explained Muhammad Rudi on Sunday (August 27, 2023) in Batam.

Muhammad Rudi added that the relocation area will be equipped with various essential facilities such as places of worship, sports facilities, road access, electricity, traditional markets, health centers, schools, and public cemeteries.

BP Batam is also committed to building a port and a pier to support community activities, especially for fishermen.

The importance of community participation in this project is acknowledged by Muhammad Rudi. He emphasized that the involvement of the local community in the development of Pulau Rempang, including in terms of workforce recruitment for the project, will be a primary focus.

With significant investment value, BP Batam believes that the education and specialized training provided by PT Makmur Elok Graha (MEG), the manager of Pulau Rempang, will have a positive impact on improving the quality of life for the community.

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"The government's great hope is that through this development, the younger generation of Pulau Rempang can actively participate in this project, so that prosperity can be enjoyed by all residents, not only in Batam but also in the Rempang and surrounding areas," he stated.

The Rempang Eco-City Development Project covers sectors including industry, services, commercial, agro-tourism, housing, and solar power generation.