"We will allocate part of our budget for human resource development. God willing, this August, we will send around 2,000 individuals as part of the Patriot Expedition Team," Transmigration Minister Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara said.
The deployment follows the House of Representatives’ (DPR) approval of an additional Rp1.7 trillion (approx. US$104.8 million) in early July, bringing the ministry’s total 2025 budget to Rp1.89 trillion.
The graduates will conduct field research to assess local potential in each area with the goal of attracting investment and supporting regional development.
"Their task is to evaluate the potential of these 154 areas, identify key sectors, and help bring in investment. We don't want to rely solely on the state budget. We aim to engage more private investors," Suryanagara said.
He added that participants will be placed in strategic locations such as Rempang Galang (Batam), Mamuju (West Sulawesi), and Merauke (South Papua) — not in extremely remote areas.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to recruit 1,500 master's and doctoral graduates for the program in 2026.
The Transmigration Patriot Program is designed to empower university graduates while supporting the development of Indonesia’s frontier and underdeveloped regions.
Related news: Govt vows to complete granting ownership rights for transmigrant land
Related news: Indonesia eyes creative economy to empower transmigrants
Translator: Ricky, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
