He made the announcement while handing over 402 land ownership certificates to transmigrants in Muna District, Southeast Sulawesi, on Thursday (Nov. 20).
Suryanagara cited limited funding as the main challenge, requiring the government to focus on priority areas to ensure proper development and tangible benefits for communities.
He outlined key infrastructure priorities, including roads, schools, healthcare, markets, cemeteries, entertainment facilities, and cultural centers, to complete the development of transmigration areas.
The minister highlighted a shift in the transmigration paradigm: from relocating people to developing economic hubs that attract business and new economic activities.
He said the government aims for transmigration areas to foster productive enterprises, generate jobs, and improve the welfare of resident families.
To support this transformation, the government launched the Patriot Scholarship program, designed to train high-quality human resources for mentoring in priority transmigration areas.
Suryanagara explained that these mentors will help communities develop local potential, increase productivity, and drive competitive economic growth in the targeted regions.
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“We hope transmigration areas will have a unique appeal to boost economic activity,” he said.
He added that in each pilot area, mentors will guide communities to prepare residents for the job market while encouraging entrepreneurship.
The development of these areas aligns with the government’s goal of equitable national development and public welfare improvement, supporting President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita missions.
Suryanagara emphasized that by combining infrastructure, education, and mentorship, the pilot projects aim to transform transmigration zones into self-sustaining, economically vibrant communities.
The three pilot projects will serve as models for scaling similar programs nationwide, integrating modern assistance with sustainable local resource development.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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