Guiding Transmigration Without Losing Direction

The idea of industrialisation in transmigration areas, frequently proposed by the Minister of Transmigration, M Iftitah Sulaeman, is indeed full of appeal. The arguments presented sow glad tidings in the hearts of transmigrants. In an instant, it seems capable of transforming transmigration areas into modern and progressive economic centres. It cannot be denied that, since long ago, this capital-intensive approach has been the most potent mantra echoed by state actors. At least since the post-Second World War era. All countries, especially developing nations in Asia, have made industrialisation the engine of development. In order to achieve leaps in prosperity for their citizens. Historical records also cannot erase the successes of countries that have adopted the industrialisation approach. Take, for example, Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam. These countries have surged in advancement and prosperity, not least Indonesia, which has also climbed upwards. At least this can be seen from annual GDP indicators. Leaps in prosperity through industrialisation are not entirely sweet-faced. Much literature reveals the opposite. Industrialisation triggers economic inequality, monopolies on wealth, environmental destruction, horizontal conflicts, and the strengthening of bureaucratic pathologies. It does not stop there; these changes also extend to the socio-cultural realm, with shifts in fundamental values occurring. The tradition of gotong royong, which is characteristic of rural communities, is beginning to erode due to the growth of individualism alongside societal shifts in life orientation towards materialism (Effendi, 2016). As a result, paradoxes of life occur. On one side, industrial progress promises a more prosperous and modern life, but on the other side, it also brings shadows of social challenges and cultural degradation (Effendi, 2016). From this situation and such social alarms, efforts are needed to utilise technological advancements that can create collective awareness to maintain balance between modernisation and the preservation of traditional values.