Collaborating with 20 German Students in Barelang, Green Concept for Rempang Transmigration Area Under Development
Twenty students from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, alongside academics and students from several Indonesian universities, have begun studying the potential and challenges of the Barelang Transmigration Area in Batam.
This agenda is being refined through the Summer Course 2026, which aims to produce a regional development plan that combines international perspectives with the needs of the local community. The Acting Director General of Economic Development and Community Empowerment for Transmigration at the Ministry of Transmigration, Harlina Sulistyorini, stated that the programme is intended to produce the ‘Green Barelang Spatial Development Design’.
The design encompasses the spatial development of the Barelang Transmigration Area, taking into account economic, social, infrastructural, connectivity, and environmental aspects.
“The students from TUM will assist in exploring and analysing the potential of Barelang Rempang, particularly the Rempang Transmigration Area. The final output is a green concept design that we can later implement to improve the area and enhance the prosperity of its people,” she said during the opening of the Summer Course 2026 in Batam, as reported on Saturday (3/10/2026).
During the activity, participants will directly observe various conditions within the area. Their studies will cover economic potential, spatial planning, infrastructure, social aspects, and the environment. Participants will also engage in dialogue with the community to identify needs and understand the various challenges faced by residents.
Harlina emphasised that the development of Barelang must benefit the local population. She noted that the regional development is also expected to expand employment opportunities and optimise available resources.
“The Rempang area is specifically intended for the local community residing here, so they can be further empowered, given more opportunities for employment, and benefit from the natural resources available around Rempang,” she said.
The Summer Course 2026 was initiated by Diponegoro University (Undip) in collaboration with TUM, the Ministry of Transmigration, and BP Batam. This activity is part of the ‘Transmigration Patriot’ (Trans Patriot) programme, which connects academic learning with the real-world needs of the region.
The learning process involves classroom activities, discussions, field observations, and direct interaction with the community. The collaboration also involves the Patriot Expedition Team from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), IPB University, and the University of Indonesia (UI), who have previously conducted activities in the Barelang Area.