Indonesian Transmigration Minister Inaugurates School Facilities, Highlights Program's Evolution

Vice Minister of Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi visited the Kikim Transmigration Area in Lahat Regency, South Sumatra, on Monday to inaugurate the construction and rehabilitation of school facilities. The visit, which included a warm reception from transmigrants, students, teachers, and local officials, underscored the development of the region since the first transmigrants arrived in 1982.

Mauladi recalled that the initial settlement in 1982 comprised 400 families in settlement unit 1 and 500 families in settlement unit 2. Over the years, the transmigration program continued until 2016, leading to the establishment of villages with diverse facilities in areas that were once dense forests. This transformation over 44 years showcases the program's impact on regional development.

"Transmigration was previously carried out top-down, directly from the central government program," Mauladi stated. He explained that current transmigration efforts are now decentralized and bottom-up, driven by local government initiatives. This shift is evidenced by the 60 proposals received from regents seeking to open new transmigration areas, indicating a growing recognition of transmigration's role in fostering regional growth.