Transmigration Minister says situation on Rempang is peaceful and stable

Batam (ANTARA) - Transmigration Minister Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara has said the situation on Rempang Island, Batam City, Riau Islands, has tended towards being safe and peaceful.

“Over the past year, the situation has tended to be more peaceful, creating an investment climate that is also quite comfortable for everyone. That is what we will continue to build,” he said following Chinese New Year 2557/2026 celebrations in Batam, as quoted on Tuesday.

Previously, Rempang Island had been designated as one of three new pilot projects by the Ministry of Transmigration to strengthen transmigration areas based on modern mentorship and sustainable local potential development.

The Transmigration Minister stressed that the main challenge in development is budget constraints, necessitating a focus on priority locations so that development outcomes are truly completed and deliver significant impact for communities.

Beyond road infrastructure, various essential facilities including education, healthcare, markets, cemeteries, entertainment spaces, and cultural interaction centres will be prepared to form a complete and attractive transmigration area.

Iftitah explained a paradigm shift in transmigration development, namely that it is no longer merely about relocating communities but about creating economic growth centres capable of attracting new activities and business opportunities.

On the same occasion, he also reported that 16 boats had already been provided to the Rempang community.

“There are 16 fishing boats that we have given to the community, and our hope is that they will not merely move to a new place, but will also have employment that continues to generate income for their welfare,” Iftitah said.