Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transmigration Minister Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara has said that the ongoing transformation of Indonesia’s transmigration program could serve as a model for inclusive development across the Global South.
Speaking here on Wednesday, the minister explained that the Ministry of Transmigration is currently implementing five flagship programs to redefine both the purpose and public perception of transmigration.
Previously, transmigration was primarily about relocating people from densely populated to less populated areas. Today, however, the program has evolved to focus on equitable prosperity by developing new economic centers throughout the country.
“Let’s build new communities through the transformation of transmigration, not just for Indonesia, but as a model for inclusive development in the Global South. Let’s build these communities together — communities that are safe, productive, and future-ready,” Suryanagara said.
“With the world’s fourth-largest population and as a rising power, Indonesia has a duty to show that growth, equity, and dignity can go hand-in-hand. Through transmigration, we are not just building new cities. We are redefining development,” he added.
The five flagship programs include Trans Tuntas, which provides legal, clean, and ready-to-cultivate land for transmigrants; Trans Lokal, which empowers host communities to grow food and build resilience together with transmigrants; and Trans Patriot, which focuses on developing world-class patriotic youth leaders to help shape transmigration areas.
The other two programs are Trans Karya Nusa, which mobilizes communities for new value chains and employment opportunities; and Trans Gotong Royong, which aims to build inclusive and resilient communities through multilateral collaboration.
Suryanagara noted that the ministry is actively mapping out partnerships with other ministries and agencies, regional governments, local communities, and both domestic and foreign investors to support the implementation of these programs.
He highlighted that the ministry currently manages 3.1 million hectares of land under Transmigration Land Management Rights (HPL), with around 500,000 hectares potentially earmarked for development into new economic zones.
“The transmigration framework allows for a simpler, faster, and more legally certain process for private sector involvement — and global players are already responding,” he said.
According to Suryanagara, investors from Brazil and Spain are exploring collaboration in cattle farming, while European investors have expressed interest in chocolate production. Meanwhile, Chinese investors are eyeing advanced manufacturing, and investors from several other countries are targeting Indonesia’s coconut industry.
“Let’s create a nation where no potential is wasted, where every region thrives, where our growth is strong, our future is sovereign, and our pride is shared,” the minister stated.
