In a recent shift from recreational use to residential development, an area in Batam known as Bukit Dangas is undergoing significant transformation. Managed by Central Group, the site, previously classified as a protected forest, is now being developed into what is rumored to be a luxury housing project known as Serenity Central Park.
During an inspection on Saturday, September 7, 2024, media teams observed heavy machinery grading hills and clearing land, including activities that suggest the burial of mangroves still connected to tidal waters. The area, historically a protected forest, shows early signs of construction over land previously deemed untouchable due to its ecological value.
The area has begun to see the rise of structures on previously undeveloped land. Observations revealed active use of heavy equipment for hill cutting and land flattening, marking a stark transformation from its original state.
The transformation has sparked concerns among local cultural representatives and environmentalists. Said Ubaydillah, a spokesperson for the Lembaga Adat Kesultanan Riau Lingga (LAKRL), expressed worries about land speculators overpowering communal and protected lands. “This land is ulayat land, guarded for generations. It was meant for limited villa allocation to protect the surrounding forest,” he stated in a media interview on Monday, May 22, 2024.
The development has raised questions about the environmental impact assessments and the legality of the construction permits issued. Efforts are ongoing to confirm with relevant authorities, such as the Environmental Agency, concerning the environmental implications due to mangrove burial and other ecological disturbances.
The local community and stakeholders are deeply concerned about the potential irreversible damage to the ecosystem and the cultural heritage of the area. There is a call for transparent discussions and proper regulatory oversight to ensure that development does not compromise the ecological or social fabric of Batam.
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The development of luxury housing in Bukit Dangas, Batam, has ignited a debate between progress and preservation, highlighting the challenges of balancing development with environmental and cultural conservation. As construction progresses, the outcome of this development will significantly influence Batam’s environmental landscape and its community’s livelihood.
The transformation of Bukit Dangas into a luxury housing area by Central Group has raised significant environmental and cultural concerns. With the development encroaching on previously protected mangrove and forest areas, stakeholders are calling for careful scrutiny and regulation to prevent potential ecological damage and respect the cultural heritage of the local community.
Source: Liputan6 (2024)
