"Our main focus is no longer merely the relocation of people, a measure that was misinterpreted as transferring poverty from one place to another in the past. Instead, we will exert all-out efforts to alleviate poverty, boosting people's welfare," he remarked.
Suryanagara made the statement during a working meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR) at the Parliamentary Complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday.
In addition to eliminating poverty and boosting people's prosperity, he said the newly established Ministry of Transmigration is also resolute in helping enhance the productivity of transmigrants, including by involving them in economic initiatives, comprising those aimed at pursuing national food self-sufficiency.
"That way, they (transmigrants) are expected to make contributions to state revenue and economic growth, " he stated.
The minister further expressed belief that by contributing to the economy of their new place, transmigrants will be able to foster a sense of unity with native residents of the region and help the government actualize equitable welfare.
He then spoke highly of Indonesian transmigrants, regarding them as patriots of the nation.
On that note, Suryanagara stated that his side would broaden the focus of transmigration beyond economic purposes by paying equal attention to the need to enhance the quality of human resources through socio-cultural approaches.
"For instance, we are planning to pay special attention to the revitalization of 10 transmigration zones that have been set up in Papua," he pointed out.
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Translator: Tri Meilani, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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