Vendors claim intimidation and unfair compensation as First Club development sparks local outrage
Conflict erupted in Batam’s Pasar Angkasa as secondhand goods vendors resisted eviction linked to the development of First Club, a soon-to-open luxury nightlife venue.
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, tensions ran high in the Pasar Angkasa complex, Lubuk Baja, Batam, as secondhand market vendors pushed back against what they called as a forced and unjust eviction. Witnesses reported near-chaotic scenes as several men allegedly hired by First Club management attempted to remove the vendors and their goods.
The vendors, some of whom have sold goods in the area for decades, refused to leave. “We’ve made our living here for years—why now?” said Nur, one of the affected sellers and a mother of six. She, along with others, accused the club’s representatives of repeated intimidation since construction began.
Many vendors claimed they were offered compensation of only Rp2 million per stall—approximately S$159.32—a figure they say is far below the actual cost of relocating and restarting operations elsewhere. “Where are we supposed to go with that amount?” Nur added.
The embedded post shows real-time footage of the resistance, as vendors voice their outrage over the eviction, citing intimidation and insufficient compensation. One of them laments, “We won’t move. And even if we do—where else can we sell?” she says in frustration.
As tempers flared, some vendors began calling on President Prabowo to intervene. “We don’t want to get rich—just to survive,” said one tearful plea shouted during the protest. Their chants echoed through the marketplace, underscoring their desperation as no officials arrived on-site to mediate.
A newly constructed venue, First Club is touted to be one of Batam’s most exclusive nightlife spots. Its proximity to the street vendor zone has raised concerns among residents and human rights advocates about displacement without legal protections.
When contacted, Imam Tohari, Head of Batam’s Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), said his office had not received a formal report. “If we receive an official complaint, we will take action. But vendors must also understand they cannot sell in front of private properties,” he added.
Imam emphasized the legal rights of ruko (commercial unit) owners, stating that selling in front of someone’s business without consent is not allowed. “Put yourself in their shoes—would you be okay if someone blocked your shop entrance?” he asked.
With no official intervention as of publication time, the standoff at Pasar Angkasa continues. Dozens of vendors remain at their stalls, determined to resist what they see as unjust eviction until authorities formally address their plight.
The unrest in Pasar Angkasa reflects growing tensions between development projects and community livelihoods in urban Batam. As investors move in and high-end projects like First Club emerge, the challenge lies in balancing commercial ambitions with equitable treatment of existing residents and small traders. The incident may also spark wider regional discussions on protecting micro-enterprises amid urban redevelopment pressures.
Sources: Batam News (2025), Tribun News (2025)
Keywords: Eviction Batam, Pasar Angkasa, First Club Batam, Vendor Rights, Market Protest, Street Vendors, Public Dispute
