Indonesia seeks to reform Transmigration Law to drive economic growth

The Indonesian Ministry of Transmigration is pushing for updates to the Transmigration Law to shift the program's focus from mere population movement to the creation of new economic growth centers. Minister M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara stated that the regulatory changes must address contemporary challenges, including land issues, spatial planning, and the need for industrialization and investment to ensure local communities benefit from development.

To support this economic shift, the Ministry is opening opportunities for third-party collaborations, specifically inviting Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and their alumni networks to manage economic potential within transmigration areas. Deputy Minister Viva Yoga Mauladi noted that the Ministry manages approximately 3.1 million hectares of land across 612 transmigration zones outside of Java and Bali, with 154 areas designated as national priorities through 2029. Potential sectors for development include agriculture, plantations, livestock, mining, and tourism.