Sidorejo Residents Protest at KITB Over Infrastructure Promises and Prostitution Concerns
Dozens of residents from Sidorejo Hamlet, Ketanggan Village, Gringsing District, Batang Regency, Central Java, visited the management office of the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB) on Monday (8/6). The protest was organised to demand several unfulfilled development commitments and to voice concerns regarding alleged prostitution practices around the area.
Accompanied by the Laskar GPK Macan Roban and the Legal Aid Institute (LBH), the residents held a direct audience with the management of the Industropolis Special Economic Zone (SEZ). In addition to infrastructure issues, emerging social problems were a primary focus of the meeting.
Fatchullah Akbar, Commander of Laskar GPK Macan Roban, revealed that the community is finding it difficult to obtain transparent information regarding the follow-up on agreements between residents and the estate managers. He noted that communication, which has previously only been conducted through the village government, has prevented information from being fully conveyed to the residents.
“There were several agreements previously communicated to the community. However, until now, many have yet to see any realisation, which raises questions,” said Fochullah following the audience.
Beyond physical infrastructure, residents also reported suspicious activities allegedly disguised as spa or massage businesses around the industrial area. Fatchullah stated that community anxiety was triggered by the movement of several women entering and leaving these businesses late into the night.
“We have not yet filed an official report as further investigation is required. However, this information from the community needs to be a shared concern to ensure social and legal norms are not violated,” he emphasised.
Tanya Liwail Chamdy, Head of Corporate Communication and Community Development at KITB, explained that most of the programmes demanded by the residents are actually currently in progress. She acknowledged that there have been sub-optimal communication hurdles with the community.
Regarding road access, Tanya claimed that the route to Sidorejo Hamlet has actually been constructed but still requires safety assessments before being fully opened to the public. Regarding the issue of prostitution, the KITB management maintained a zero-tolerance stance.
“We request that members of the community who possess accountable evidence or information report it immediately. We ensure that we will follow up alongside the relevant authorities if illegal activities are proven to exist within the estate environment,” concluded Tanya.