TEMPO.CO, Batam - An alleged attack by PT Makmur Elok Graha (MEG) officers on Rempang residents occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 18, 2024. The incident followed the detention of a company employee suspected of destroying a banner opposing the Rempang Eco City National Strategic Project (PSN).

Ishaka, Head of the Rempang Galang Bersatu Community Alliance (Amar GB), explained that residents apprehended the PT MEG employee while he was destroying a banner on the hill of Sembulang Hulu village, Rempang Island, at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2024. Shaka noted that banner destruction by unknown individuals is a frequent occurrence on Rempang Island and that residents view these acts as intimidation.

The apprehended employee was taken to the Sembulang post. “When the incident happened, I was in Pasir Panjang Village,” said Shaka on Wednesday morning, December 18, 2024. ”Upon arriving at the location, the perpetrator was already at the post.”

Hundreds of residents subsequently gathered at the post. Shaka contacted the police to transfer the employee to the Galang Police Station. “When I got there, I immediately coordinated with the Police Chief to hand over the perpetrator to the Police Chief,” Shaka explained. "However, some residents requested a written agreement negotiation at that location before the transfer.”

The residents' proposed agreement required PT MEG to commit to not entering the village again and to cease all forms of intimidation, including banner destruction. “However, negotiations did not take place,” Shaka stated.

Following the arrival of the police, negotiations for an agreement failed. At around midnight, a truck carrying PT MEG officers arrived at the location. “That's when the chaos ensued. They came by force to retrieve the alleged banner destroyer,” Shaka recounted.

Shaka expressed shock at PT MEG's forceful approach, noting that the company had arrived in a truck with what appeared to be preparations for a confrontation. “They attacked residents who were unarmed. Residents' motorcycles and cars were damaged, and several people were injured.”

Nine individuals were injured in the ensuing chaos. PT MEG officers allegedly arrived armed with arrows, machetes, knives, and clubs. “PT MEG weapons were found on the injured victims,” Shaka said. “Some were hit by arrows, and others by machetes. A Pasir Panjang resident's motorbike, for instance, had its seat slashed, indicating the presence of knives.”

One victim sustained a head injury and a broken arm and was transported to the nearest hospital. “There are also those who have been taken to RSKI, but I do not yet know the condition of this victim,” Shaka said.

Galang Police Chief IPTU Alex Yasral confirmed the incident. “Last night we patrolled, and thankfully the situation is currently under control,” he said.

Tempo attempted to confirm the incident with PT MEG spokesperson Fernaldli on Wednesday morning, December 18, 2024. However, Tempo's WhatsApp messages and phone calls have not been answered.

Editor’s Choice: Residents Say Majority Still Rejecting Rempang Eco-City Project, Call BP Batam Liar

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News