Rempang-Galang project to create 20,000 jobs through transmigration transformation

Indonesia's transmigration program is undergoing a significant paradigm shift, moving away from simply distributing land to families and instead focusing on developing these areas into new economic growth centers. The goal is to create tens of thousands of job opportunities.

A prime example of this new approach is the development of the Rempang-Galang area in the Riau Islands province. Minister of Transmigration M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara explained that approximately 150 hectares of transmigration land, previously sufficient for only about 75 families, is now slated to become a shipyard industrial zone. This project is expected to generate employment for around 20,000 people.

"Previously, 150 hectares were divided into plots for about 75 families. Now, the same land can become an industrial area creating job opportunities for up to 20,000 people. The impact is certainly much greater for the community," stated Minister Iftitah in a statement on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

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Previously, 150 hectares were divided into plots for about 75 families. Now, the same land can become an industrial area creating job opportunities for up to 20,000 people. The impact is certainly much greater for the community.

Minister Iftitah emphasized that this transformation does not mean disregarding the rights of the community. Instead, it aims to optimize the utilization of transmigration areas to deliver broader economic benefits. "If transmigration was previously oriented towards dividing land, our orientation now is how that land can create prosperity for far more people through investment, industrialization, and job creation," he said.

In the initial phase of the Rempang-Galang area development alone, an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 construction workers are expected to be absorbed before the industrial zone becomes fully operational.

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If transmigration was previously oriented towards dividing land, our orientation now is how that land can create prosperity for far more people through investment, industrialization, and job creation.