Villagers in Rempang
출처
On 17 December 2024, villagers apprehended an employee of Rempang Eco-City project developer PT Makmur Elok Graha while he was allegedly destroying a community banner opposing the project. Many residents have been opposing the Rempang Eco-City project in Indonesia due to allegations of violating the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples, evictions, and harm to traditional livelihoods.
A leader of the Rempang Galang Bersatu Community Alliance noted that that banner destruction by unknown individuals is a frequent occurrence on Rempang Island and that residents view these acts as intimidation.
Before transferring the employee to the Galang Police Station, some residents wanted to have a written agreement with PT MEG to not come to the village again and to cease all intimidation. The negotiations for an agreement were unsuccessful. Hours later, around 20 employees of Rempang Eco-City project developer PT Makmur Elok Graha came to Rempang and reportedly attacked residents, resulting in 8 people being injured.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre previously invited Xinyi International Investment and PT Makmur Elok Graha to respond to allegations related to the Rempang Eco-City project. Xinyi International Investment said that they have not initiated any eco-city project nor entered into any agreements or contracts. They also said that they truly respect and care about Indigenous Peoples' rights. PT Makmur Elok Graha did not respond.