Minister: Rempang-Galang to Create 20,000 Jobs

Transmigration Minister M Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara stated that the transmigration paradigm has undergone a major change. Previously, transmigration land was primarily used for distribution to a number of heads of families, but now the same areas are being directed to become new economic growth centres. The hope is that this will create employment for tens of thousands of people.

He cited the development of the Rempang-Galang area in the Riau Islands Province as an example. According to the minister, approximately 150 hectares of transmigration land, which was previously only enough for around 75 heads of families, is now projected to become a shipyard industrial zone. The ministry is targeting the area to potentially open up job opportunities for around 20,000 people.

“Previously, 150 hectares were divided into plots for about 75 heads of families. Now, the same land can become an industrial area that opens up employment opportunities for 20,000 people. The impact is far greater for the community,” said Minister Iftitah in a statement on Sunday (28/6/2026).

Iftitah emphasised that this transformation does not mean ignoring people’s rights, but rather optimising the use of transmigration areas to provide broader economic benefits. “In the past, the orientation of transmigration was to divide land, now our orientation is how that land can create prosperity for far more people through investment, industrialisation, and job creation,” he said.

Iftitah mentioned that in the initial phase of the Rempang-Galang development alone, an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 construction workers will be absorbed before the industrial area becomes fully operational.