Minister announces three areas interested in transmigration

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Transmigration Minister M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara stated that three regional governments have submitted requests for transmigrant placements in their areas.

The three regions involved are West Sulawesi Province, Sidrap District, and South Sulawesi Province, with a population ratio of 70 percent local residents and 30 percent new inhabitants.

"We are focusing on inclusive and sustainable development that creates jobs and supports the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045," he stated at a press conference during the National Transmigration Technical Working Meeting in Bali on Monday.

According to Suryanagara, public interest in the transmigration program remains high, with eight thousand families registering.

He remarked that placements are now being conducted more selectively, based on the requests of the regions seeking transmigrants, including South Papua, where Indigenous Papuans (OAP) are proritized.

"Placement of new transmigrants can only be done with an official request from the destination regional government," he explained.

He emphasized that modern transmigration is not merely about relocating people but rather directing superior human resources to support local economic growth.

"Since the enactment of Law No. 29 of 2009, regions can no longer be designated as transmigration locations without a request from their local governments. If there is no demand, there will be no transmigrants," Suryanagara stated.

He then highlighted the significant opportunities for development in transmigration areas and lauded the local governments for their support of the transmigration program.

"For example, in East Sumba, we are encouraging the development of sugarcane and sugar factories. Coordination between the central and regional governments is crucial. We hope this working meeting will generate valuable ideas and inputs to enhance the future impacts of transmigration," the minister remarked.

The National Transmigration Technical Working Meeting was held on July 27-30, attended by all regional governments and regional apparatus organizations (OPD) related to transmigration.

The event also included the signing of a cross-sectoral cooperation agreement to strengthen the transmigration ecosystem.