Transmigration Programme Creates 116 Regencies and Cities, Says Deputy Minister

With the movement of population, areas that were once isolated and unproductive have developed into villages.

Bogor (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi has said that the transmigration programme has contributed to the creation of 116 regencies and cities in Indonesia as part of regional development efforts since it was implemented by the government.

Speaking at the Joint Induction of the 2026 Patriot Expedition Team in Bogor, West Java, on Sunday, Viva Yoga said that beyond producing regencies and cities, the transmigration programme has also yielded 1,567 definitive villages, 466 districts, and three provincial capitals.

“The transmigration programme from the era of President Soekarno to President Prabowo has produced 1,567 definitive villages, 466 districts, 116 regencies and cities, and three provincial capitals,” he said.

He named the three provinces that emerged from the development of transmigration areas as North Kalimantan, West Sulawesi, and South Papua.

According to Viva Yoga, transmigration does not merely relocate population; it also opens up new areas that were previously isolated, turning them into centres of economic, social, and cultural activity.

“With the movement of population, areas that were once isolated and unproductive developed into villages, villages became districts, districts became regencies, and eventually provinces,” he said.

He added that this development is proof that the transmigration programme is capable of creating new centres of economic growth while improving the welfare of communities across various regions.

Viva Yoga also assessed that the success of the transmigration programme is evident in the number of descendants of transmigrants who now hold strategic positions, ranging from regional heads and legislators to government officials.

“Many children of transmigrants are now governors, regents, mayors, members of the House of Representatives, and other officials. This shows that transmigration has opened up opportunities for social mobility,” he said.