Indonesia has sent hundreds of riot police to a small island. To suppress protests against Chinese-backed projects that will cause people to move out of the area.
Police in Riau Province, near Singapore, said 200 mobile riot police were deployed to Batam on Thursday. It is a precautionary measure to maintain safety. Because of Batam city Riau Province is strategically important to business operators and investors. The duration of active duty depends on the situation.
About 1,000 demonstrators gathered in front of the BP building. Batam in charge of the development project on Monday. Protest against Rempang Island development project 2.5 kilometers southeast of Batam Island is a Chinese-funded economic zone. Because it will cause approximately 7,500 people to move out of the area. Some protesters clashed with police and were arrested.
President Joko Widodo (right)
President Joko Widodo said yesterday that The backlash against the project stemmed from miscommunication regarding compensation measures for those who were removed. If properly explained, this will not be a problem, while BP Batam has stated that the compensation measure will cover rent and food expenses. The Indonesian government said The development project will create more than 300,000 jobs by 2080, but it has not been specified. When will it be completed? During President Widodo's visit to the Chinese city of Chengdu in July, Xinyi Glass Holdings, China's largest glass maker, promised to invest 11.5 billion U.S. dollars (about 411.72 million baht). ) Build a factory in the economic zone on Rempang Island.-Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency