Residents of Rempang Island rally against relocation plans for Rempang Eco-City project.

In a bold display of defiance, hundreds of Rempang Island residents gathered outside Batam’s City Hall on Thursday, voicing their staunch opposition to the proposed relocation stemming from the Rempang Eco-City project. The demonstrators, armed with banners and an unwavering spirit, made it abundantly clear: they had no intention of abandoning their ancestral lands.

The Rempang Eco-City project, designated as a National Strategic Project, aims to transform Rempang Island into a sprawling industrial and tourism hub. While authorities tout the economic benefits, including significant foreign investment and job creation, the local populace views the initiative as a direct threat to their heritage and way of life. Previous attempts to relocate residents have been met with fierce resistance, underscoring the community’s deep-rooted connection to their land.

A Community United in Protest

Around midday, the streets surrounding Batam’s City Hall were awash with demonstrators from Rempang Island. Carrying banners and posters, they passionately voiced their demands. Their placards bore emphatic messages such as:

1. “Kami Menolak Relokasi/Digusur.” (We Reject Relocation/Eviction.)

2. “Kami Menolak PSN Rempang Eco City.” (We Reject the Rempang Eco City National Project.)

3.”Hidup Korban Jangan Diam, Lawan!!!” (Victims Must Not Stay Silent, Fight Back!!!)

4. “Hentikan Intimidasi, Hentikan Investasi yang Merusak, Jangan Rusak Laut dan Darat Kami.” (Stop Intimidation, Stop Destructive Investment, Do Not Destroy Our Land and Sea.)

5. “Tanah Adat Tanah Ulayat.” (Ancestral Land is Indigenous Land.)

6. “Raja Adil Raja Disembah, Raja Zalim Raja Disanggah.” (A Just King is Honored, A Tyrant is Defied.)

Protesters repeatedly chanted slogans rejecting forced relocation, expressing their anger and disappointment at what they see as an unfair and unjustified displacement. Many residents have lived on the island for generations, and for them, the project is not just about development—it is about survival and the preservation of their cultural identity. The demonstration was marked by a mix of frustration and determination, as residents demanded their voices be heard.

Sukri, a prominent voice among the protesters, articulated the community’s expectations from Batam’s recently inaugurated leadership. “We, the people of Rempang, earnestly hope and are grateful for the inauguration of our new Mayor and Deputy Mayor. We have journeyed far to City Hall, believing they will side with us and heed our grievances,” he proclaimed. This sentiment reflects a broader anticipation that the new administration will prioritize the rights and concerns of its constituents over corporate interests.

Defending Ancestral Heritage

The crux of the protest lies in the community’s determination to safeguard their heritage. Sukri emphasized, “We urge our elected leaders to defend the people of Rempang and our lands. We were born and raised here, and for two years, we’ve awaited a resolution without clarity.” This statement highlights the prolonged uncertainty and emotional toll inflicted upon residents by the looming threat of displacement.

This demonstration is not an isolated incident. The Rempang community has a storied history of opposing initiatives that jeopardize their existence. Past confrontations have seen clashes between residents and project proponents, with tensions escalating over perceived heavy-handed tactics and a lack of genuine dialogue. The recurring theme is a community steadfast in its refusal to be marginalized or erased.

As the peaceful protest concluded under the watchful eyes of security personnel, the ball is now in the court of Batam’s municipal authorities. To date, there has been no official statement addressing the specific demands of the Rempang residents. The community remains vigilant, hopeful that their unified stance will compel the new leadership to engage in meaningful discourse and reconsider the relocation agenda.

The unfolding situation in Rempang serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate balance between development and indigenous rights. For Singaporeans and international observers, this scenario underscores the importance of inclusive and equitable development practices. As nations pursue economic growth, the voices of native communities must not only be heard but also respected and integrated into the planning processes. The resilience exhibited by the Rempang residents is a testament to the universal desire for self-determination and cultural preservation.

Sources: Batam News (2025), Gowest (2025)

Keywords: Rempang Island, Relocation Protest, Ancestral Land, Eco-City Project, Batam Demonstration