Ministry of Transmigration Boosts Transmigration Areas to Create Jobs
The Ministry of Transmigration (Kementrans) is committed to continuing to strengthen the development of the Batam, Rempang, and Galang (Barelang) Transmigration Area in Batam, Riau Islands. This is being done to create jobs and improve community welfare in an inclusive and sustainable manner.
Minister of Transmigration M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara said the government is working to ensure that Rempang residents do not merely move to a new location, but also have sustainable sources of livelihood.
“The principle is that people should not just move to a new place, but must also have jobs that continue to generate income for their welfare,” Minister Iftitah said in a written statement.
To encourage this development, Kementrans is cooperating with BP Batam and the Batam City Government. The relevant parties also report progress regularly to Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono as Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development.
He said conditions in Rempang over the past year have become increasingly conducive. The more peaceful situation is considered an important foundation for promoting regional development while creating a healthy investment climate.
“Alhamdulillah, over the past year the situation has become increasingly peaceful and conducive. This is important for creating a comfortable investment climate for all parties. This is what we will continue to build,” Iftitah said.
In addition, Iftitah explained that his ministry has handed over 16 fishing boats to residents as a form of direct support for them. The aim is to ensure coastal communities retain their livelihoods after the area restructuring process is carried out.
“A total of 16 fishing boats have been given to the community. We hope this will serve as a means for them to continue working and increase their income,” he said.
The development of the Barelang Transmigration Area is expected not only to drive regional economic growth, but also to become an example of transmigration area planning that prioritises dialogue, welfare, and the sustainability of local community life.
Furthermore, Kementrans has provided assistance of 16 fishing vessels measuring 5 Gross Tonnage (GT) to transmigrant residents working as fishermen in the Tanjung Banon Transmigration Area, Barelang, Batam City, Riau Islands. Each fishing group received one boat complete with supporting fishing equipment.
“These fishermen are very happy because of the assistance. We hope that with this boat assistance, their income can increase because, God willing, their catch will be much larger so they can support their families,” added Deputy Minister of Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi.
In addition to providing additional boats, Kementrans together with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and BP Batam also held capacity-building training for fishermen in the Tanjung Banon transmigration area. The training covered techniques for maximising catches and fish processing to increase their selling value.