Indonesia to implement Rempang Eco-City development recommendations

Indonesia's Minister of Transmigration, Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, has announced plans to implement four key recommendations to develop the Rempang Eco-City transmigration area in Batam, Riau Islands. These recommendations stem from a joint study conducted by Germany's Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Indonesia's Diponegoro University (Undip).

The proposed development strategy focuses on four primary pillars: land management through agroforestry, environmental protection, community capacity building, and economic growth via marine tourism. Specifically, the land management plan suggests using land for shared agricultural and tree-planting activities to create business opportunities while maintaining environmental health. To combat erosion and manage water, researchers recommended slope replanting, rainwater collection facilities, and improved waste management.

To support local residents, the plan includes the establishment of a “skill hub” to provide training in English, food processing, and business management. Economic development will leverage the region's mangroves and fishing culture through ecotourism and marine tourism. The Minister noted that some initiatives, such as the construction of an observation tower in Tanjung Banon, are already underway to attract visitors and support local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.