In the process of relocating residents living in the project development area, the government has taken systematic steps to protect the rights and welfare of affected communities. As of September 2024, a total of 210 households had voluntarily moved to temporary housing. BP Batam guarantees that each household transitioning to temporary housing will receive a monthly housing rental allowance of Rp 1.2 million, along with a monthly living allowance of Rp 1.2 million per person. This assistance is provided to ensure that residents can continue their daily lives adequately during the transition to permanent housing.

The government's efforts to provide permanent housing for affected residents have also begun to show tangible results. As of Oct. 23, 26 households had moved into new permanent residences provided in Tanjung Banun. The provision of these homes is part of the government's commitment to upholding the mandate set out in Presidential Regulation No. 78/2023, which amends Presidential Regulation No. 62/2018. This regulation emphasizes the importance of addressing social impacts in land provision for national development, including providing suitable new housing for affected communities.

Furthermore, the government is accelerating the construction of hundreds of additional permanent homes in the Tanjung Banun area to accommodate all affected residents. This development is accompanied by supporting infrastructure, including educational facilities, healthcare services and adequate transportation access, to ensure that the new environment offers greater comfort compared with the previous living conditions. This infrastructure demonstrates that the government is not merely relocating residents but is also striving to create an integrated and sustainable new residential area.

Of the total 17,600 hectares of Rempang Island, the Rempang Eco-city NSP will occupy 8,142 ha. The remainder will be allocated as a protected forest area, in line with the government's commitment to maintaining environmental balance and preserving nature. The Rempang Eco-city project is designed as an integrated development encompassing various sectors, including industry, commercial services, agro-tourism, residential and renewable energy. The government hopes this area will become a model for development that prioritizes environmental aspects and economic sustainability amid the need for national infrastructure development.

In addition to addressing social aspects, the Rempang Eco-city project also offers significant potential for national economic development. With a long-term investment value projected to reach Rp 381 trillion, this area is designed to become an economic hub that prioritizes local labor. The government hopes that by creating abundant job opportunities, this project can directly enhance the welfare of local communities, reduce unemployment and support economic sustainability in the Batam area.

The government remains committed to involving the community in every phase of this project, ensuring that the rights of affected residents are protected and that they can adapt to their new environment. Throughout this process, open communication between BP Batam, developers and the local community is expected to contribute to the success of the Rempang Eco-city project as a realization of national development that considers social, economic and environmental aspects. This project stands as a symbol of the government's commitment to inclusive and sustainable development for all layers of society, serving as a model of modern development that brings prosperity to residents and growth to the nation.

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