Minister: Transmigration Area Growth Relies on Human Resources and Technology

Menteri Transmigrasi Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara has stated that inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic growth in transmigration areas requires support from superior human resources and science and technology. “There is no inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic growth without the presence of science and technology in that place or area,” Iftitah said during a briefing for the 2026 Patriot Expedition team in Jakarta on Wednesday. He said the government facilitates the presence of superior human resources in transmigration areas through collaboration with universities. According to him, universities are a source of science and technology that can be used to help answer various community needs and encourage regional development. “We, the government, only facilitate the presence of superior human resources in areas that truly need your presence,” he said. Iftitah emphasised that the briefing should be seen as an initial step, not a symbolic activity that ends after the event. He asked the Patriot Expedition Team participants to work wholeheartedly during the four-month assignment and produce concrete work that has an impact and provides benefits to the community. “Please give your totality, please give your best during those four months there,” he said. According to him, participants need to have clear objectives and use a framework that connects input, process, output, outcome, and impact. Iftitah also asked participants to adapt to the local community and avoid unproductive debates. “A science-based approach must be proven through work and real benefits in the field,” said Iftitah. The 2026 Patriot Expedition Team consists of 1,476 participants divided into 246 teams and will serve in 53 transmigration areas. These areas include 41 national priority transmigration areas, two priority areas of the Ministry of Transmigration, and 10 transmigration areas in Papua. A total of 246 team leaders and 1,230 members were selected from 10,359 applicants this year. Each team consists of one leader and five members registered through partner universities. This year’s programme is a continuation of the 2025 Patriot Expedition Team. Its implementation is directed at following up on previous research results and pioneering superior products in transmigration areas through the application of science and innovation. The programme is part of Transmigrasi Patriot under the Ministry of Transmigration’s 5T agenda, designed to connect science with real-world problems and present the younger generation as agents of change in transmigration areas.