China-Backed Quartz Project Sparks Land Controversy
The China-backed Rempang Eco-City project in Indonesia aims to create a solar panel industrial hub but has led to controversy over land grabbing and forced displacement of local communities. Villagers who have lived on the island for generations, such as fishermen, are being pressured to leave their homes with inadequate compensation and unclear relocation plans. Protests have erupted, with clashes delaying the government’s efforts to push forward the project.
Despite being marketed as green and sustainable, the project faces criticism for prioritizing industrial goals over community rights and environmental justice. Villagers argue that the initiative threatens their cultural heritage and livelihoods, underscoring broader challenges in balancing economic development with ethical practices.
For more details, visit Quartz’s report.
