Parliament member Rieke Diah Pitaloka confirms Rempang Eco-City’s removal from Indonesia’s strategic project list.
The controversial Rempang Eco-City project has been officially removed from Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects (PSN) list for 2025-2029, sparking hope among affected communities fighting land rights issues on Pulau Rempang.
Removal Confirmed by Parliament Member During Community Meeting
During a meeting with residents from Pulau Rempang and Desa Gobah on April 28, 2025, Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of the House of Representatives of Indonesia (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat, DPR), firmly stated that the Rempang Eco-City project is no longer listed under Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects. She cited Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 12 of 2025, signed by President Prabowo Subianto, which outlines the country’s 2025-2029 medium-term development plan without mentioning Rempang Eco-City.
Strong Moral Support for Rempang Residents
Rieke voiced strong solidarity with the Rempang community, particularly recognizing veteran land rights activist Siti Hawa, affectionately known as “Nenek Awe.” Rieke described the battle against land seizures as a “jihad” for justice and publicly shared the document proving Rempang’s removal from the strategic list before emotionally embracing Nenek Awe.
Parliament’s Pledge for Further Action
Deputy Chairman of Commission VI, Nurdin Halid, also confirmed the project’s exclusion from the new PSN list. He pledged that Commission VI would visit Batam and Pulau Rempang from May 15-17, 2025, to coordinate with BP Batam and investigate any remaining disputes regarding land and authority in the Barelang region.
Bahlil Lahadalia’s Push for Relocation
Despite the project’s removal, past efforts by Bahlil Lahadalia, Indonesia’s current Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, still linger in public memory. Bahlil personally visited Rempang, attempting to convince residents to accept relocation by offering infrastructure and new facilities. His approach, however, met strong resistance, especially from indigenous communities who have lived on Rempang since 1834. Critics argue that Bahlil’s intervention prioritized large-scale investment deals over protecting traditional land rights.
Background of the Controversial Project
Originally designated a strategic project in 2023, Rempang Eco-City aimed to build a vast industrial zone, centered around a glass manufacturing facility backed by Chinese investor Xinyi International. Valued at USD 11.5 billion, the project was set to occupy 17,000 hectares, covering the entire Pulau Rempang and Pulau Subang Mas, triggering widespread protests and serious human rights concerns.
Recommendations to Resolve the Issue
In light of the escalating controversy, several key recommendations have been proposed to address the conflict:
First, support government efforts to re-evaluate the 2023 PSN list and formally exclude Rempang Eco-City, as already reflected in the 2025 Perpres.
Second, demand an immediate halt to intimidation and violence against Rempang residents, asserting that any such actions violate presidential regulations and must be met with legal sanctions.
Third, urge the Attorney General’s Office and Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to investigate alleged irregularities in the land management agreements granting 17,000 hectares to PT Makmur Elok Graha (MEG).
Fourth, request that the House of Representatives leadership instruct the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK) to audit BP Batam’s role in the Rempang and Subang Mas land allocations.
Fifth, propose a Public Hearing Meeting (RDPU) involving DPR Commission VI, BP Batam’s management, PT MEG, and representatives of Rempang’s indigenous community to find a transparent and just solution.
A Victory for Community Rights?
The removal of Rempang Eco-City from the PSN list offers renewed hope for affected residents seeking legal certainty and protection of ancestral lands. However, continuous vigilance is essential to ensure future development projects respect human rights, uphold the rule of law, and prioritize the welfare of indigenous communities in Indonesia.
The cancellation of the Rempang Eco-City project from Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects signals a pivotal victory for indigenous communities, environmental advocates, and civil society. As Indonesia moves forward with national development, respecting human dignity and ensuring fair governance must remain at the heart of every initiative.
Sources: Batam News (2025), Monitor Indonesia (2025)
Keywords: Rempang Eco City, National Strategic Project, Rieke Diah Pitaloka, Batam Land Conflict, Pulau Rempang, PSN Indonesia
