Tiban Receives Heavy Machinery, While Seraya Residents Struggle Alone
The recent heavy rains in Batam triggered multiple landslides, affecting areas such as Tiban, Sekupang, and Seraya. While swift government intervention provided heavy machinery and aid to Tiban, residents of Seraya are left to clear debris manually. The unequal response has frustrated affected communities, with many urging authorities to take immediate action.
Heavy rainfall in mid-January 2025 caused multiple landslides across Batam, with Tiban and Seraya among the worst affected areas. In Tiban, government-backed clean-up efforts were swiftly initiated, utilizing heavy machinery and organized relief measures. However, in Seraya, residents are still struggling without government assistance, relying solely on manual labor to recover their belongings.
Seraya Residents Left to Dig Their Own Motorbikes
On January 13, 2025, a landslide struck Kampung Bawah Gang Masjid Nurul Ihsan, RT 6 RW 1, Seraya Bawah, burying at least 50 motorbikes under layers of soil and debris. Despite numerous appeals, residents have yet to receive excavators or official assistance.
According to local RT chairman Miskan, the government has failed to deploy essential resources to aid in recovery. He emphasized that although no lives were lost, the lack of assistance has disrupted daily life for many residents, as motorbikes buried in the landslide were their primary means of transport for work and school.
“So far, we haven’t received any help—no heavy machinery, no support at all,” he stated. Local authorities cited unfavorable weather conditions as the reason for the delay, but residents argue they cannot wait indefinitely while their livelihoods suffer.
Desperate Attempts to Recover Vehicles Manually
Since government aid remains unavailable, Seraya residents have taken matters into their own hands, attempting to recover their motorbikes using basic tools. As of January 20, only seven of the 50 buried vehicles have been retrieved, most of them heavily damaged.
One of the affected residents, 41-year-old Yani, recounted her ordeal. Her Honda Beat motorbike, which she had purchased just a year ago, remains trapped beneath the rubble. Forced to borrow neighbors’ vehicles and rely on ride-hailing services, she now faces soaring transportation costs.
“I have three children in school. Now, I have to spend SGD 4.15 (IDR 50,000) per day just on transportation. It’s a huge financial strain,” she lamented. She and her husband, a daily parking attendant, are struggling to keep up with their unexpected expenses.
Government Acknowledges Issue but No Immediate Action Taken
When questioned, Batu Ampar Subdistrict Head, Ridwan Nur Salatsa, confirmed that his office had already sent official requests to the relevant agencies for intervention. He assured that the matter was being processed, but no clear timeline was given for when aid would arrive.
“Administratively, we have submitted the necessary documents, and we are waiting for further action. However, due to unstable weather, we need to assess the risks before deploying teams,” he stated.
For residents, this response is insufficient. Many argue that the delay reflects poor disaster preparedness and unequal distribution of emergency response efforts between affected areas.
Residents Warn of Further Risks Without Swift Action
Beyond the buried vehicles, residents are also concerned about unstable land conditions and the risk of further landslides as the rainy season continues. With no heavy equipment in place, houses near the landslide site remain vulnerable to additional collapses.
Many residents have urged local authorities to not only provide immediate excavation assistance but also implement stronger long-term infrastructure solutions to prevent future disasters.
The incident raises concerns about Batam’s disaster management capabilities and infrastructure resilience. As the island grows as a tourist and investment hub, ensuring efficient emergency response mechanisms will be crucial in maintaining confidence in the region. Unequal aid distribution also signals potential governance challenges that may affect future foreign investments in Batam’s real estate and commercial sectors.
Sources: Batam Line, Tribun News (2025)
Keywords: Batam Landslide Aid, Unequal Response Seraya, Residents Without Support
