Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed the visit of the Minister of Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, to the UGM Central Office last Tuesday (Jan. 14).
This meeting marked an important moment in strengthening collaboration between the government and universities to develop transmigration areas based on qualified human resources and technology.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia emphasized the crucial role of UGM in supporting the transmigration program through a comprehensive approach. According to her, development will not succeed unless it starts by addressing the root problems in society.
“We are fully prepared to collaborate in developing transmigration areas, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries,” said Professor Emilia.
To support the development of transmigration areas, UGM offers various strategic policy innovation initiatives in the field of transmigration.
One such initiative involves student participation in thematic Community Service Programs (KKN) in transmigration areas. UGM also provides opportunities for distance education in frontier, outermost, underdeveloped (3T) regions.
“We want to ensure that location is not a barrier to learning so that even people in remote areas can access quality education,” added Professor Emilia.
Additionally, UGM, through its Agro-Technology Innovation Center (PIAT) in Kulon Progo, is ready to develop technology to support the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors.
UGM also expressed its readiness to collaborate with Cenderawasih University in Papua to empower local communities through research and technology.
“We see great potential to develop transmigration areas by utilizing innovative research and technology,” said Professor Emilia.
Minister of Transmigration Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara highlighted the challenges in the transmigration program, particularly the mismatch between the skills of transmigrant residents and the needs in the new regions.
“Transmigration is not just about relocating people, but about creating synergy between newcomers and residents. Our focus must be on improving human resource quality and area management so that transmigration becomes more productive and sustainable,” he explained.
The minister stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration, including with non-state budget partners.
“We cannot rely solely on the state budget. There must be collaboration with private sector partners and international institutions to accelerate industrialization and economic growth in transmigration areas,” he said.
During the discussion, both parties agreed to explore a new transmigration paradigm oriented toward relocating people and creating inclusion and cultural diplomacy.
“We must build productive transmigration areas that serve as centers of cultural exchange between newcomers and local residents. This way, we foster collaboration that drives the region forward, not competition,” added Minister Suryanagara.
The meeting concluded with UGM’s commitment to continue designing holistic research assistance and transmigration area development programs.
“We believe that this collaboration will bring great benefits, not only for the people in transmigration areas but also for national economic growth as a whole,” concluded Professor Emilia.
This meeting marks a strategic step in building independent, inclusive, and sustainable transmigration areas while reaffirming the role of universities in supporting national development.
Author: Rahma Khairunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto