"There are approximately 400 families, who have agreed to be relocated. Some 27 families are already in temporary transit homes, and the rest are still in the process," he noted at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday.
On October 6, the minister had visited the residents' village and met those who agreed and disagreed to relocate.
"I went to Pasir Panjang, Tanjung Banon, and also, the relocation site. I visited them all, including those who disagreed to move," Lahadalia stated.
During his visit, the minister found several residents, who finally agreed to move. However, some residents still insist on not being relocated.
He remarked that the government will continue to communicate with all residents of Rempang to agree on mutual benefits.
The minister stated that the government is building permanent housing for Rempang residents affected by the construction of Rempang Eco City based on the presidential regulations.
"We are starting to build a pilot house. This project is guaranteed through the Presidential Decree. Each family member will receive Rp1.2 million per month, and the family will receive another Rp1.2 million to cover the temporary house rent. If the family consists of four persons, they will receive Rp6 million per month during the waiting period," he explained.
Moreover, he stated that the construction of permanent housing will be completed in early 2024.
Earlier, the government had designated the development of Rempang Eco City as a national strategic project for 2023.
According to information on the official website of Batam Concession Agency (BP Batam), Rempang Eco City is planned to be built on 8,142 hectares of land in Rempang, with a total area of 17,600 hectares.
Residents affected by the Rempang Eco City Project will be given compensation to relocate from their origin.
The compensation given is in the form of a new 45 type house worth Rp120 million, with a maximum land area of 500 square meters in Tanjung Banon or Dapur 3 Sijantung.
Work on the new housing is targeted to be completed in 2024. In the meantime, affected residents of Rempang Galang can stay in temporary housing or a rental house, with fees and living costs covered by the government.
During his meeting with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday, Lahadalia spoke of having also discussed preparations for the president's visit to China and Saudi Arabia in the near future as well as investment realization in the third quarter of 2023.
Translator: Indra Arief P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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