“Today we call them patriots because they safeguarded land and water in remote areas and built new livelihoods,” Mauladi said at the Sukra Transmigration Pioneers Cemetery here on Wednesday.
He visited Indramayu to hold a flower-laying ceremony in memory of 67 prospective transmigrants who died in an accident before being sent to their designated locations.
The event was held in conjunction with the 75th Transmigration Service Day on December 12, marking the first official dispatch of transmigrants during President Soekarno’s administration.
The program continues as the government has set the direction of its transmigration policy towards equitable development and people's welfare improvement, aligning with the Asta Cita missions of President Prabowo Subianto.
Transmigration is set to alleviate poverty, among others, through industrialization, citing that the Melolo transmigration area in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, experienced a decline in the poverty rate from 32 percent to 27 percent with industrialization.
Meanwhile, Mauladi explained that in the past, transmigrants played a crucial role in opening new regions through road and land development. They protected land and water in remote areas, enabling current economic and social activity.
He noted that transmigration also strengthened national unity through cultural assimilation, including interregional marriages, fostering a sense of belonging and cohesion across Indonesia.
“The program helped unite the nation through transmigration,” he said.
The deputy minister emphasized the values of struggle and choice that transmigrants exemplified, leaving their hometowns to fight for better opportunities in new regions.
He added that second- and third-generation transmigrants now benefit from the program, which was initially aimed at combating poverty and improving welfare. Increased prosperity also contributes to human resource development in transmigration areas.
“Transmigration is not just about relocating people, but focused on enhancing community welfare,” he said.
Regarding government support, he assured that the ministry continues to assist transmigrant communities with living allowances and food supplies.
“We monitor and support the communities so they can be independent (economically), that they can increase their income,” he said.
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Translator: Fathur, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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