Deputy Minister urges Kuansing to propose new transmigration areas
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi has encouraged the Government of Kuantan Singingi Regency (Kuansing), Riau, to propose a new transmigration area so that it can obtain direct ministry support for area development, including infrastructure construction.
He said the submission of a new transmigration area is one solution the regional government can pursue if it wishes to receive direct assistance from the Ministry of Transmigration.
“That said, if they 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 these remarks while receiving the Acting Regent of Kuansing, Muklisin, along with a number of heads of agencies 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 heads of families.
“These transmigration sites, built since the 1980s, have developed into new growth areas. The transmigrants, along with their children and grandchildren, have pursued various professions and occupations. Regent Muklisin himself is a child of transmigrants,” Viva explained.
However, these areas now hold former transmigration status, meaning the settlements have been formally handed over and are no longer under the authority of the Ministry of Transmigration. As such, the ministry cannot provide assistance directly through the State Budget (APBN).
“Nevertheless, historically the ministry still bears a responsibility,” he added.
Viva said the ministry would convey and recommend proposals for road construction in Kuansing’s former transmigration areas to the Ministry of Public Works.
According to him, transmigration area development is currently carried out through synergy with various ministries and agencies. For physical infrastructure development, the ministry collaborates, among others, with the Ministry of Public Works.
Earlier, Muklisin requested central government support to improve road infrastructure in Kuansing, including road sections located in former transmigration areas.
Of the regency’s total road network of 1,588.906 kilometres, 36.84 per cent still requires attention. For 2026, the Kuansing Regency Government has proposed assistance for the construction of 78.99 kilometres of road.
“Unpaved roads fall apart when it rains and turn dusty in the heat. That is why support and assistance from the ministry is needed,” Muklisin said.
He also welcomed the ministry’s suggestion to propose a new transmigration area. According to Muklisin, several areas in Kuansing are frequently affected by flooding from the Kuantan River and could therefore be developed through a local transmigration programme.
Currently, of the 154 transmigration areas designated through a Ministerial Decree, the only transmigration area in Riau Province is the Rupat Island Transmigration Area in Bengkalis Regency.
Meanwhile, under the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), the Government targets the development of 45 transmigration areas as new growth centres to promote equitable development and improve community welfare through the utilisation of regional economic potential.
In line with this target, the ministry is directing transmigration area development through economic transformation based on local potential, strengthened investment, and the development of leading sectors so that transmigration areas become sustainable new centres of economic growth.