Barelang Viewed as Global Learning Space for Transmigration Area Transformation
The Barelang Transmigration Area has become a shared learning space for Indonesian and German students to directly observe regional potential and design greener development ideas. Through the 2026 Summer Course, students from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, alongside students from several Indonesian universities, are undergoing a 10-day field study across Batam, Rempang, and Galang (Barelang).
This initiative not only brings together students from different academic backgrounds but also connects academic knowledge with real-world field conditions. Participants are invited to understand the economic, environmental, and infrastructural potential, as well as the community life within the Barelang Transmigration Area, as part of an integrated economic zone development.
The Secretary General of the Directorate General of Economic Development and Community Empowerment of the Ministry of Transmigration, Nirwan Ahmad Helmi, stated that Barelang was chosen as a learning space because its regional character allows for the integration of agriculture, fisheries, community enterprises, and economic access to Batam. Regional development must involve both transmigration and local communities, while also respecting the Malay cultural community.
“Summer Course participants will learn and work together. Barelang offers an environment for integrated regional development, which is our developmental direction—an integrated transmigration economic zone that combines agriculture and fisheries with access to the extensive Batam centre. Fisheries and marine activities serve as the primary economic drivers, supported by small business services. The development of fisheries, marine sectors, and cultural tourism must respect the coastal Malay communities and involve both transmigration residents and local citizens,” he explained during a keynote speech at the BP Batam Office on Friday (2/10).
The Director of Transmigration Community Empowerment at the Ministry of Transmigration, Bondan Djati Utami, noted that students will undergo a series of observations, discussions, and knowledge-sharing activities in Barelang until 10 October. The activities are directed towards seeing how the regional ecosystem can be developed based on existing potential.
“Their concern is focused on how to develop the existing ecosystem here—what the development of the Barelang area should look like,” she said during an interview in the Barelang Transmigration Area.
According to her, students are also receiving information regarding the development of Barelang and Batam City to serve as comparative material for formulating ideas. The learning outcomes will be presented after they continue their activities in Semarang.
“The output will be shared with us. Once they are in Semarang, they will present their findings on the 13th,” she explained.