Minister Bahlil Confirms He Will Not Dismantle Ancestral Graves on Rempang Island

Monday, 18 September 2023 – 15:56 WIB

Batam – Minister of Investment and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that he will not dismantle the ancestral graves of the Malay community on Rempang Island, even though the investment project on the island continues.

“For the graves of our predecessors, I will not allow them to be dismantled. Later this will be fenced off, a gate made, so that it will be comfortable to make pilgrimages,” said Bahlil Lahadalia when visiting residents of Rempang, Batam City, Riau Islands (Kepri), Monday.

His party has also made a proposal to create a museum on the island to show the identity of the Malay community on Rempang Island.

“This is still a process, it has not been approved by the center,” said Bahlil Lahadalia.

Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia in Batam

Apart from that, regarding residents’ requests for a relocation location that remains on Rempang Island, Bahlil said he would discuss this further with the relevant ministries.

“Later, regarding the location of the Rempang land, we will also ask for input from representatives of the ladies and gentlemen. We will open a map of the Rempang area together,” said Bahlil Lahadalia.

Previously, the relocation location that had been determined by the government was at Dapur 3 Sijantung, Galang Island, Batam City, Riau Islands.

In that place the government has prepared a relocation area of ​​450 hectares. A total of 2,700 type 45 houses will be built. Each house will stand on 500 square meters of land.

Apart from housing, the government will also prepare piped water installations, electricity, roads, telecommunications, fishing docks and loading and unloading ports. Fisherman’s families will also receive fishing equipment assistance. (ANT/ANTARA)