Developing Transmigration Areas, Mentrans Partners with IPB University
IPB University welcomed a visit from the Minister of Transmigration (Mentrans), Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara. The delegation was received in the Rector’s Meeting Room at the IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (25/3).
This visit was a follow-up to the previous visit of IPB University’s Rector to the Kementrans. In addition to discussions, Mentrans also toured several IPB University facilities, including the Smart Greenhouse in Leuwi Kopo and the Agribusiness and Technology Park (ATP) in Cikarawang, Dramaga, Bogor.
During the visit, Mentrans Iftitah emphasized that transmigration is not just about population resettlement but also about regional development to improve welfare and establish integrated economic zones in transmigration areas.
“Our focus is to create transmigration areas with economic development that enhances prosperity,” he stated.
He also highlighted one of the Kementrans flagship programs, Transmigrasi Patriot. The Patriot Expedition Team will conduct research and mapping of transmigration areas to identify their potential.
“In addition, we provide scholarships for young generations who wish to study at IPB University through the Applied Bachelor’s (D4) to Doctoral (S3) scholarship programs. They will later be assigned to transmigration areas,” he added.
Iftitah also praised IPB University’s Dosen Pulang Kampung program, calling it a brilliant initiative. He sees great potential for collaboration between this program and Transmigrasi Patriot.
IPB University Rector, Prof Arif Satria, expressed full support for the Ministry of Transmigration’s policies, particularly in developing agricultural-based transmigration areas.
“The facilities we have can serve as models and ecosystems for farmers participating in the transmigration program. This initiative is expected to produce high quality agricultural products in transmigration areas,” he explained.
As part of the Transmigrasi Patriot collaboration, IPB University’s School of Graduate Studies (SPs) and Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) also held discussions with the Directorate General of Economic Development and Community Empowerment in Transmigration Areas (PEMT) Kementrans.
The meeting focused on strategic programs to improve human resources (SDM) in transmigration areas by providing Master’s (S2) and Doctoral (S3) scholarships and deploying the Patriot Expedition Team for direct research and community empowerment in the field.
“IPB University welcomes this collaboration opportunity and is ready to play an active role as a strategic partner in shaping young leaders dedicated to building self-sufficient, productive, and sustainable transmigration areas,” stated Vice Dean for Academics, Student Affairs, and Alumni at the School of Graduate Studies, Prof Yusli Wardiatno.
The discussion also covered a tripartite collaboration model between the Kementrans leading universities such as IPB University, and local universities. This partnership will integrate hybrid learning with Freedom of Learning – Independence Campus (MBKM) and Thematic Real Work Lecture (KKN Tematik).
The Transmigrasi Patriot program is set to be implemented in ten priority transmigration areas are KT Barelang (Batam, Riau Islands), KT Salor (Merauke, South Papua), KT Senggi (Keerom, Papua), KT Melolo (East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara), KT Lamunti-Dadahup (Kapuas, Central Kalimantan), KT Telang (Banyuasin, South Sumatra) KT Tubbi Taramanu (Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi), KT Mesuji (Lampung), KT Maloy Kaliorang (East Kutai, East Kalimantan), and KT Pulau Morotai (North Maluku). (IAAS/HPH)
