Indonesia shifts transmigration focus to local economic empowerment

Indonesian Minister of Transmigration M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara has emphasized that modern transmigration programs must focus on increasing community welfare and income rather than just population movement. The goal is to transform local commodities into value-added products that provide higher economic returns for both migrants and local residents.

In the Prafi Transmigration Area of Manokwari, West Papua, local resources such as chili, sago, and palm fronds are being developed into marketable goods. This initiative is supported by the Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) from Universitas Airlangga, which provides technical assistance to residents. The program helps communities improve product packaging, enhance selling value, and access broader markets. For example, local women's groups have successfully improved the packaging of their chili sauce products to facilitate wider distribution.

Minister Iftitah noted that innovation and knowledge are essential to converting previously undervalued resources into sources of income. He urged academic teams to identify superior products based on raw material availability, community capacity, and market demand to ensure sustainable economic growth.