JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS- Amnesty International Indonesia has issued a strong statement urging authorities to cease intimidation and violence against the residents of Rempang Island, who are fighting to protect their territory. The call comes amid escalating tensions surrounding the controversial Rempang Eco City National Strategic Project (PSN).

Wirya Adiwena, Deputy Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “The intimidation and violence have once again disrupted the lives of Rempang residents, who still vividly remember the brutal actions taken by security forces during protests on September 7, 2023,” he stated.

Adiwena highlighted that these violent acts reveal a failure by the government to protect its citizens, underscoring a continuous repression of Indigenous communities striving to defend their land rights against development threats.

“We urge the authorities to promptly investigate and take decisive legal action against those responsible for these acts of violence and intimidation,” he continued. “Such repressive actions cannot be allowed to persist. The state must protect the rights and expressions of its citizens, rather than suppress them.”

Amnesty International also called for an immediate halt to the Rempang Eco City project, which has been shown to adversely affect local Indigenous communities.

“The rights of Indigenous peoples must be respected and protected against all forms of threats and violence. They should also be meaningfully involved in any developments affecting their land,” Adiwena stressed.

BACKGROUND

Reports from credible sources, including LBH Pekanbaru and the National Solidarity Advocacy Team for Rempang, reveal that residents of Rempang Island faced intimidation and violence from a group of individuals dressed in civilian clothing on September 18.