[4] Around 2001 to 2002,[2] the government of Indonesia designed a plan to develop the Rempang Island way more further by proposing to build the eco-based tourism site and several industrial firms, it was later officially legalized under the Batam Regional People's Representative Council decree dated 17 May 2004,[5] the plan caught the attention of international investors and the agreement was set and approved but the progress of the development was slow.

[5][4] As the continuation of Memorandum of Understanding that was approved since 2004 under the Batam Regional People's Representative Council decree dated 17 May 2004, the XinYi Group based in China stated on 18 August 2023 that they intend to rebuild their 'delayed' business of glass production industrial site on the island.

[10][11] A protest on 12 September 2023 involving 1,000 participants turned into a riot,[12] as they refused to be relocated to another housing area that are being prepared for them, and claimed have lived on the island for years.

[18][19] Tensions have been attributed to a generally unfavorable attitude toward Chinese investments in Indonesia, and more locally, the continued police effort seeking those involved in the disturbance.

[22] On 21 September 2023, certain island residents chose not to engage in fishing activities due to concerns that the government might attempt relocation while they were away at sea.