Transmigration focuses on natural resource management: Ministry

 Deputy Minister for Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi stressed Wednesday that transmigration programs depend entirely on requests from regional governments and focus on sustainable natural resource management rather than just relocating people.

Speaking at Rendani Airport in Manokwari, West Papua, Mauladi said the ministry aims to improve community welfare through responsible resource use.

“If there is no request from the regional government, then there will be no transmigration program,” he said.

He explained that the current transmigration approach differs from past models by shifting from a top-down, centralized system to a bottom-up, decentralized policy. This change aligns with Law No. 29 of 2009, which prevents the central government from unilaterally deciding transmigration locations or the number of settlers.

“The transmigration concept today is based on the needs and readiness of the regions. Land allocated for transmigration must have clear and legal status and must not be located in forest areas,” Mauladi said.

The program also promotes cultural integration by bringing together diverse ethnic groups, languages, and cultures in shared communities. This fosters religious tolerance, social cohesion, and national unity.

“That is President Prabowo’s vision—maintaining national unity through the transmigration program,” Mauladi added.

The government is finalizing land certifications for 600,000 hectares of transmigration land to resolve legal ownership disputes. These certifications protect settlers from claims by third parties and improve access to funding aimed at raising their welfare.