Deputy Minister urges Kuansing to propose new transmigration areas

Deputy Minister of Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi is encouraging the Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) district government in Riau to propose new transmigration areas in order to obtain direct support from the ministry for regional development, including infrastructure construction. He stated that proposing a new transmigration area is one solution for local governments seeking direct assistance from the Ministry of Transmigration. “However, if you wish to propose a new transmigration area, the land provided must be clean, clear, and free,” Viva said in an official statement received in Jakarta on Thursday. The Deputy Minister made the remarks while receiving Acting Regent of Kuansing Muklisin and several heads of departments at the Ministry of Transmigration office. According to him, Kuansing has 27 transmigration settlement units spread across Simandolak, Teluk Kuantan, Taluk Kuantan, Lipat Kain, and Singingi, with a total of 12,301 families. “These transmigration locations, built since the 1980s, have developed into new growth centres. The transmigrants and their children and grandchildren have also taken up various professions and jobs. The Acting Regent, Mr Muklisin, is himself a child of transmigrants,” Viva revealed. However, these areas now have ex-transmigration status or are settlement units that have been handed over, meaning their authority no longer lies with the Ministry of Transmigration. As a result, the ministry cannot provide direct assistance through the State Budget. “Nevertheless, historically the Ministry of Transmigration still bears a responsibility,” he added. Viva said the ministry will convey and recommend the proposal for road construction in Kuansing’s ex-transmigration areas to the Ministry of Public Works. He noted that the current development of transmigration areas is carried out through synergy with various ministries and agencies. For physical infrastructure development, the Ministry of Transmigration cooperates with the Ministry of Public Works, among others. Previously, Muklisin requested central government support to improve road infrastructure in Kuansing, including roads located in ex-transmigration areas. Of the total 1,588.906 kilometres of roads in the district, 36.84 per cent still require attention. In 2026, the Kuansing district government is proposing assistance for the construction of 78.99 kilometres of roads. “Unpaved roads are destroyed when it rains and dusty when it is hot. That is why we need support and assistance from the Ministry of Transmigration,” said Muklisin. He also welcomed the ministry’s suggestion to propose a new transmigration area. According to Muklisin, there are several areas in Kuansing that are frequently affected by flooding from the Kuantan River, making them potential candidates for development through a local transmigration programme. Currently, out of 154 transmigration areas designated by ministerial decree, the only transmigration area in Riau Province is located in the Pulau Rupat Transmigration Area, Bengkalis Regency. Meanwhile, under the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan, the government is targeting the development of 45 transmigration areas as new growth centres to promote equitable development and improve community welfare by harnessing regional economic potential. In line with this target, the Ministry of Transmigration is directing the development of transmigration areas through economic transformation based on local potential, strengthening investment, and developing leading sectors so that transmigration areas become sustainable new economic growth centres.