Ministry of Transmigration Opens Opportunities for Collaboration on Food Estate Development
The Ministry of Transmigration is in discussions with PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara regarding plans for synergy in utilising transmigration areas for agricultural production centres, mechanisation support, and integration of village cooperative programmes to strengthen supply chains from upstream to downstream operations. PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara plans to establish food production centres in transmigration areas such as Merauke, South Papua.
“I see many similarities that we need to realise together,” said Chief Executive of PT Agrinas Nusantara Pangan, Joao Angelo De Sousa Mota.
Meanwhile, Transmigration Minister Iftitah, during an audience held at the PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara office, stated that he wished to absorb what could be collaborated. “In principle, we are ready to help and provide support,” he said on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
The Transmigration Minister also emphasised that transmigration policy direction has evolved. The focus is no longer simply on relocating populations, but on building new economic ecosystems that provide direct benefits to local communities. “Transmigration today has also evolved, from what was previously population relocation to becoming a creator of new economic ecosystems based on trans-local principles,” said Minister Iftitah.
This transformation focus is directed towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth. “Inclusive in the sense of creating more employment opportunities, equitable in the context of adequate wages, and sustainable through environmental preservation,” said the Transmigration Minister.
Regarding potential development of food estate areas, PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara’s Operations Director Yudha Rusniwan highlighted cooperation opportunities in South Papua, particularly Merauke, which is seen as having agricultural and livestock communities that can be further developed.
“When we stepped into the South Papua region, particularly Merauke, if there are indeed areas with agricultural communities, especially rice farming and livestock, that could become a potential area for us,” he said.
Through this synergy, it is hoped that production growth, distribution efficiency, and creation of new employment in transmigration areas can be accelerated. The Ministry of Transmigration emphasised that cross-sector collaboration is key to driving the transformation of transmigration areas as new economic growth centres and supporting national food security.