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.

According to the National Solidarity Advocacy Team, the incidents occurred in the Sungai Bulu village area, particularly along the access road to Goba around 10:45 AM. Tensions escalated when residents, who were guarding their community mosque, were approached by the group.

The individuals in civilian attire forcibly entered the area being monitored by the residents, claiming it was part of their operational territory. Despite residents’ attempts to maintain their presence, they were met with intimidation and violence.

Video footage gathered by local residents captured the tense interactions, showcasing representatives from the civilian group aggressively confronting women standing their ground.

The Advocacy Team reported that three residents sustained injuries, while several others were physically assaulted. One individual suffered a gash on the temple from being struck with a helmet, while another sustained bruises after being hit with a wooden object. A woman reported a sprained wrist after being forcibly pulled.

The situation in Rempang remains precarious, with ongoing acts of intimidation and violence reported against the community. Prior to this incident, residents had faced threats and vandalism of their protest materials against the Rempang Eco City project.

Large-scale infrastructure projects under the PSN have had serious repercussions for Indigenous communities, whose land rights, cultural heritage, and local wisdom are frequently overlooked.

Furthermore, those who vocalize their dissent against government actions regarding land conflicts often face severe repercussions.

From January 2019 to March 2024, Amnesty International Indonesia documented at least eight incidents of attacks against Indigenous communities, resulting in approximately 90 victims subjected to criminalization, intimidation, and physical violence.

Amnesty International continues to advocate for the protection of human rights and calls for accountability from the government regarding these alarming incidents. (Uki Ruknuddin)