Batam, September 11, 2023 – The Aliansi Pemuda Melayu (Alliance of Malay Youth), which had initially planned to stage a significant protest at the office of the Badan Pengusahaan (BP) Batam in Batam City, Riau Islands Province, has decided to cancel their planned action.

The decision comes after careful consideration aimed at maintaining stability and security in the region.

A Proactive Move for Safety and Stability

Dian Arniandi, the General Coordinator of Aliansi Pemuda Melayu Batam, explained that the cancellation is a measure to prevent any undesirable events and to maintain the security stability in Batam, avoiding further clashes.

"We, the Aliansi Pemuda Melayu Batam, have canceled the peaceful protest at the BP Batam Office to maintain stability," said Dian during a press conference at Mapolresta Barelang on Sunday night, September 10, 2023.

The planned protest was not only going to involve Aliansi Pemuda Melayu but also several other NGOs. This decision aims to avoid potential conflicts that could disturb public order.

Unaffected by External Pressures

The cancellation is a result of a meeting between Dian, Kapolresta Barelang Kombes Pol. Nugroho Sik, and the Head of BP Batam, Muhammad Rudi, on Sunday night. Dian assured that the decision to cancel was not due to pressure from the police or any other parties.

Various organizational elements and communities planning to participate in the protest have approved this decision. Supporters had already arrived in Batam from various regions, including West Kalimantan, Riau, Jambi, Jakarta, and Tanjungbalai Karimun.

"That's why I was late; I had to sit down with friends and explain so there wouldn't be any misunderstandings," Dian stated.

Factors Leading to Cancellation

Another reason behind the protest's cancellation is the police's assurance to suspend the detention of about eight individuals involved in previous protests.

"In the name of Allah, in the name of the Prophet, there is no pressure," said Dian.

This assurance was one of the factors that influenced Aliansi Pemuda Melayu Batam to cancel their plans.

Previous Incidents

On September 7, 2023, an attempt by officials from BP Batam and BPN Kota Batam to measure land in Rempang Galang faced resistance from local residents. This incident had led to clashes between residents and security forces deployed to the area. While there were no casualties, several people, including children, were affected by tear gas.

Security conditions in the region have since returned to normal.

With the cancellation of this protest, it is hoped that the situation in Batam will remain stable and secure, paving the way for continued dialogue and mediation between relevant parties to resolve existing issues.