Riri Rahayu, Jakarta – Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Nusron Wahid, announced that the ministry is preparing 564,957 hectares of abandoned land for the transmigration program.
Nusron stated that these lands are scattered across Indonesia. However, Transmigration Minister Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman has prioritized the eastern regions, particularly Papua.
"[The areas will be] suitable for rice fields, so transmigrants can capitalize on the existing economic potential," Nusron said after a meeting with Iftitah at the ATR/BPN office on Tuesday afternoon, November 12, 2024.
Nusron believes that the transmigration program will enhance the economic value of these abandoned lands. Therefore, he mentioned that the land use could be in accordance with Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, which states:
"Land, water, and natural resources are owned by the state and shall be utilized for the greatest prosperity of the people."
The Transmigration Minister confirmed that one of the transmigration programs will be implemented in Papua. However, the primary focus in eastern Indonesia will be on revitalizing 10 existing transmigration areas. The government aims to prioritize the welfare of these areas before introducing new population migration.
"There will be no significant population migration from outside Papua to Papua. The focus will be on local transmigration, if necessary," Iftitah clarified.
The 10 existing transmigration areas in Papua are Sorong Regency, Manokwari Regency, Jayapura Regency, Keerom Regency, two areas in Teluk Wondama Regency, two areas in Fakfak Regency, and two areas in Merauke Regency.
"Next week, God willing, we will conduct direct observations of these existing transmigration areas," Iftitah concluded.