Indonesian villagers vow to resist Chinese-funded project, fearing ‘cultural genocide’ on Rempang Island

Officials want 7,500 residents to move out of Rempang Island, where an US$11.5 billion industrial and tourism hub is set to be built

The government says it will transform the area, but advocates say Jakarta’s position on the benefits of Chinese investments is an ‘illusory narrative’

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A fisherman in Monggak village on Rempang Island. The government has told the island’s 7,500 residents to relocate and make way for a Chinese-funded project. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:30am, 4 Oct 2023Updated: 10:52am, 4 Oct 2023

The construction of a Chinese-backed economic zone on an Indonesian island off Batam is tantamount to “cultural genocide”, according to advocates who are concerned about the future of indigenous villagers facing eviction.

Authorities have been seeking to reach a deal with some 7,500 villagers living on Indonesia’s Rempang Island – about 40km south of Singapore – to get them to move out of homes they have lived in for generations.

President Joko Widodo’s administration plans to transform the 17,000-hectare island into an industrial and tourism hub through the US$11.5 billion Rempang Eco City project. The villagers resisted an original order to vacate by September 28 and, following the stand-off, officials did not specify a new deadline but have said all relocations must be voluntary.

“We will give them more time, but there must be limits. We are looking for a good middle point so we can [relocate] them well,” Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on September 25.

Protesters at a demonstration on September 11 against a government plan to develop Rempang Island into a Chinese-funded economic zone. Photo: AFP

Batam authorities claim the project will attract up to US$24.4 billion in investment and provide employment for 30,000 workers by 2028, when a Hong Kong-listed Xinyi Group’s glassmaking factory is expected to become operational. The Eco City project, which will also include other plants and facilities, is scheduled for completion by 2080.