Transmigration Minister M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara informed in Jakarta on Monday that in the two months since he took office in October 2024, his staff has visited Papua twice to learn about the people's aspirations.
The minister recently visited Ivimahad Village in Merauke District, South Papua Province, which is included in the Salor Transmigration Area.
Most of the area is also being used for the National Strategic Project food estate to fulfill national food self-sufficiency.
While visiting the village, he emphasized the importance of Papua's development by local talent.
"Papua's development must be carried out by Papuans. The presence of experts is only to accelerate the development process," Suryanagara explained.
If additional human resources (HR) are needed to support the food estate or other development programs in Papua, his party will carry out local transmigration to meet the need for HR.
He said he believes this effort is similar to the philosophy regarding changes that must be started from within.
"If it blooms from within, then there is life," he remarked.
Earlier, he had assured that the transmigration carried out in Papua was local, meaning people's movement only occurred between regions in the province.
"For Papua, we will conduct local transmigration. We ensure no transmigration from outside into the Papua region," he said in December 2024.
This is aimed at maintaining the unity of the nation, which is related to the issue of community welfare, the minister explained.
"Therefore, transmigration in Papua will be local while focusing on the revitalization of 10 existing transmigration areas in Papua," Suryanagara informed.
Earlier on Sunday, Deputy Minister of Transmigration, Viva Yoga Mauladi, also proposed a plan to build superior schools and universities in transmigration areas, including in Papua, to develop human resources.
According to him, improving the quality of education in transmigration areas is important for development.
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Translator: Uyu Septiyati L, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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