ITB and the Ministry of Transmigration Collaborate to Develop Human Resources in Transmigration Areas
By M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
JAKARTA, itb.ac.id — Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and the Ministry of Transmigration signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on education, research, community service, and resource development in transmigration areas on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at ITB’s Jakarta Campus.
On the occasion, three Cooperation Agreements were signed between:
1. The Directorate General of Economic Development and Empowerment of Transmigration Communities, with ITB on the Synergy of Academic and Student Programs for Economic Development and Empowerment of Transmigration Communities.
2. The Directorate General of Economic Development and Empowerment of Transmigration Communities with ITB on the Synergy of Research, Community Service, and Expertise Services for Economic Development and Empowerment of Transmigration Communities.
3. The Directorate General of Transmigration Area Development and ITB on the Synergy of Transmigration Area Development Programs through the Tridarma (Three Pillars: education, research, and community service) of Higher Education.
ITB Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., stated that the presence of ITB’s Jakarta Campus is a commitment that ITB is not far from the centers of economic and government activities, allowing for collaboration across various sectors.
Prof. Tata also expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Transmigration’s swift action in establishing the partnership. “This is a clear example of how the government works together with academics to try to solve real-world problems that exist and have an impact on the interests of society,” he said.
He said that the mission of universities is not only to be globally respected, but also to remain relevant to national needs – globally respected and locally relevant. And to make those two go hand in hand, collaboration is needed.
Prof. Tata said that today, this step has been taken thanks to the quick action of Minister M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara and his staff. “We are deeply grateful and honored to be given this opportunity and trust to be involved in this program. Hopefully, it will bring a positive impact to the community, the Ministry of Transmigration, ITB, ITB faculty members, and our students. I believe that this hands-on experience in solving community issues will enrich classroom learning. Hopefully, this cooperation continues to grow and results in concrete outcomes and implementations as envisioned,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Transmigration, M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, noted that beyond the construction and development of transmigration areas in the form of infrastructure, the Ministry of Transmigration also plays a role in economic development and community empowerment in transmigration areas. He emphasized that this collaboration is a tangible step toward accelerating those efforts.
He explained that transmigration is currently transforming; it is no longer merely about relocating populations, but about building and growing new economic zones. Education is key to unlocking solutions for community challenges. “With science and knowledge, we can discover many solutions,” he stated.
He expressed hope that the collaboration would accelerate not only infrastructure development but also economic growth and community empowerment in transmigration areas.
Translator: Senandung Shauma Bidadari (Management, 2026)
