DPD RI Calls for Improvements to Transmigration Regulations to Strengthen Regional Development in East Kalimantan

30 July 2026 oleh admin

Samarinda, dpd.go.id – Senator Dr. dr. Andi Sofyan Hasdam, Sp.N., representing East Kalimantan in the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), convened a Public Hearing (Rapat Dengar Pendapat/RDP) as part of the Council's oversight of the implementation of Law No. 29 of 2009, which amended Law No. 15 of 1997 on Transmigration.

The hearing, held during the parliamentary recess, was opened by the Head of the DPD RI Representative Office in East Kalimantan, Muhammad Faizal Anhar, before being chaired by Senator Andi Sofyan. The meeting aimed to gather input from regional governments and relevant stakeholders to evaluate the implementation of the transmigration law while encouraging regulatory improvements that are better aligned with evolving regional development needs.

In his opening remarks, Andi Sofyan highlighted several strategic issues that require greater attention in the implementation of transmigration programs, including land tenure certainty, agrarian conflicts, social integration, and the development of transmigration areas as new centers of economic growth.

"The purpose of this meeting is to identify issues related to the transmigration law and assess whether it remains adequate or whether certain provisions need to be revised to reflect current developments," Andi Sofyan said.

He further emphasized that the paradigm of transmigration has evolved. Rather than simply relocating populations, transmigration programs should now focus on improving the welfare of local communities through integrated economic development. "The current approach is to ensure that local communities benefit from transmigration," he stressed.

Representatives from the East Kalimantan Provincial Office of Manpower and Transmigration explained that budget constraints continue to hamper the management of transmigration areas, limiting the government's ability to conduct regular monitoring and provide ongoing assistance.

"Due to budget limitations, we have not been able to carry out routine guidance and supervision as intended," said Andi, representing the provincial Manpower and Transmigration Office.

Meanwhile, the East Kalimantan Provincial Office of Community and Village Empowerment noted that no comprehensive mapping has yet been conducted to identify villages designated as future transmigration sites. As a result, village governments are calling for early public outreach and consultation.

"Communities do not automatically accept transmigration programs. They need to understand the benefits so that misconceptions and resistance can be avoided," said Siti Sugiyanti, Head of the Provincial Office of Community and Village Empowerment.

The East Kalimantan Provincial Office of Population and Civil Registration explained that administrative procedures for transmigrant relocation are already well established through the Certificate of Transfer for Indonesian Citizens (SKPWNI). The office also suggested that the government should highlight successful transmigrant families to strengthen public confidence in the program.

"Success stories of transmigrant families should be presented more widely so that the public can see the tangible benefits of transmigration," said Afiandi from the Provincial Population and Civil Registration Office.

Representatives from the East Kalimantan Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) argued that transmigration should be viewed as a regional development instrument rather than merely a population relocation program.

"Transmigration areas should be developed as integrated centers of economic growth that support the region's priority sectors," said Siti from BAPPEDA.

BAPPEDA also noted that although transmigration is not currently a top priority in East Kalimantan's Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD), the provincial government continues to support active transmigration areas, particularly in Paser Regency.

The East Kalimantan Provincial Transportation Office stated that the transportation sector is ready to support the development of transmigration areas by improving connectivity and logistics networks. However, officials noted that they have yet to receive detailed information regarding the locations designated for future development.

"We need accurate data on transmigration areas so that we can plan transportation connectivity and logistics infrastructure to support their development," said Rudianto from the Provincial Transportation Office.

Meanwhile, the Samarinda City Manpower Office reported that former transmigration settlements in Samarinda have developed successfully, with transmigrant communities now fully integrated into local society. Current labor-related challenges, however, are centered on the need for workers with industry-relevant skills, as well as stronger regulations to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

"Fortunately, Samarinda no longer faces issues related to transmigration. Transmigrant communities have become fully integrated and are now entering their third generation. Today's employment challenges concern the need for skilled workers, while stronger regulations are also needed to provide greater employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, including appropriate provisions on age requirements and suitable types of work," said Yuyum, Head of the Samarinda City Manpower Office.

Concluding the meeting, Andi Sofyan affirmed that all recommendations submitted by regional government representatives would serve as valuable input for Committee I of the DPD RI in carrying out its oversight responsibilities regarding the implementation of Law No. 29 of 2009 on Transmigration.

"All of the valuable input from today's participants will become part of Committee I's oversight efforts and contribute to improving national policies. The success stories of transmigrant communities should also be more widely publicized so that the public can see how transmigration has improved the welfare of families across generations," Andi Sofyan concluded.