Batam residents express concern over delayed landslide response in Bengkong Indah

Batam residents are increasingly worried as the city government fails to address dangerous landslides in the Bengkong Indah area, with local lawmakers demanding immediate action.

Landslides have been affecting the Bengkong Indah area for three months, threatening both residential properties and a place of worship. The slow government response has sparked frustration among residents.

The Batam City Council (DPRD Batam) has issued a stern warning to the city government, urging them to address the ongoing landslide issues in Bengkong Indah. Ruslan Sinaga, a prominent DPRD Batam member, expressed concerns that the local government has not acted swiftly enough to mitigate the risk of further damage. The area has been dealing with landslides for three months, and residents fear more landslides if no action is taken soon.

Delayed Response and Safety Concerns

According to Sinaga, the local government’s lack of a significant response is causing anxiety among residents. He pointed out that the landslides now threaten homes and even a local place of worship. Sinaga called on the Batam City Government (Pemko Batam) and the Batam Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to take immediate action, emphasizing the dangers posed by further delays.

BPBD Batam Addresses The Issue

In response to the criticism, Agus Bendri, head of BPBD Batam, assured the public that the agency has already allocated funds for landslide remediation. However, he acknowledged that the delay was due to budgetary constraints and the presence of other landslide-prone areas within the city. “We are prioritizing this matter, and steps will be taken soon,” said Bendri.

Continuous Rainfall Aggravates The Situation

Heavy rainfall in Batam over the past few days has exacerbated the situation, triggering additional landslides in various parts of Bengkong. The BPBD recorded six new landslide locations, including Bengkong Sarmen, Bengkong Abadi, and Tanjung Buntung. Residents have expressed growing frustration with the slow government response, highlighting their fears of more serious damage if the issue remains unaddressed.

While the Batam City Government and BPBD Batam have been mobilizing teams to clean up debris and prevent further damage, residents are calling for a more concrete and expedited solution to this ongoing crisis. With the risk of additional landslides still high, the community hopes that authorities will act faster to address the root causes and protect residents’ safety.

As the heavy rains continue and the risks increase, the pressure is mounting on Batam authorities to resolve the ongoing landslide crisis. The residents of Bengkong Indah deserve immediate attention and effective action to prevent further destruction and ensure their safety.

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

Keywords: Batam Landslide, Bengkong Indah, Local Government, BPBD, Batam Response