Ministry of Transmigration Ready to Develop Economy in Kepri, Sulbar Transmigration Areas

The Ministry of Transmigration (Kementrans) is ready to develop economic centres in transmigration areas across several potential regions, including the Riau Islands (Kepri) and West Sulawesi (Sulbar). Minister of Transmigration Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara stated in Jakarta on Wednesday that the government is prepared to transform transmigration areas not only into settlements and agricultural land but also into hubs for industry and energy.

Speaking at a press conference, Minister Iftitah highlighted specific locations such as Batam, Rempang, and Galang. He noted that the ministry has been granted management rights for 350 hectares in the Galang area, with a focus on industrial development. An investor has already expressed interest in utilising half of that land for a shipyard project, bringing a significant investment value of trillions of rupiah.

Beyond the Riau Islands, the ministry is also eyeing economic potential in West Sulawesi, particularly in Mamuju. Minister Iftitah mentioned ongoing discussions regarding the exploration of rare earth elements (LTJ) in the region’s transmigration areas. This shift in focus is part of a broader transformation under the current administration, prioritising the development of investment ecosystems that create added value, generate employment, and improve community welfare over the traditional model of land clearing and population relocation. The initiative aligns with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025–2029, which includes the revitalisation of 45 priority transmigration areas with integrated and digitised regional development.