������Ƶ

The event brought together more than 100 participants, including Heads of Government Offices and representatives from the Department of Manpower and Transmigration, Land Office, Environmental and Land Agency, Public Works and Spatial Planning Office, Health Office, and Education Office. Also attending were Bappeda, the Agriculture Office, district heads, agricultural extension workers, local economic actors, academics, cooperatives, community organizations, and teachers and vice principals from senior high schools and vocational schools (SMA/SMK) within the Prafi transmigration zone. Their presence demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing development in the districts of Prafi, Masni, Sidey, and North Manokwari.

Prior to the workshop and FGD, the expedition team carried out extensive field observations, in-depth interviews, document collection from relevant agencies, and literature reviews. These activities were summarized in a report presented by the Head of the Manokwari Regency Department of Manpower and Transmigration, Yusak Dowansiba, who explained that the research covered four main districts: Prafi, Masni, Sidey, and North Manokwari.

“The main objectives of this expedition encompass five strategic missions, ranging from gathering input and conducting multiparty data validation, formulating conceptual recommendations and implementable models, strengthening science education in schools, organizing thematic workshops, and expanding collaborative networks among stakeholders,” he stated.

Following the presentation, remarks were delivered by the representative of the Patriot Expedition Team Leader for the Manokwari locus, Dr. Ir. Farkhad Ihsan Hariadi, M.Sc. He explained that five Patriot Expedition Teams (TEP) are currently working in the Prafi locus, each led by ITB faculty members with distinct research focuses. TEP 1, led by Dr. Muhammad Yudhistira Azis, M.Si. (FMIPA), focuses on evaluating and recommending development strategies for the transmigration area, while TEP 2, led by Dr. Ir. Rijanti Rahaju Maulani, SP., M.Si. (SITH), examines potential superior commodities. TEP 3, chaired by Dr. Ir. Farkhad Ihsan Hariadi, M.Sc. (STEI), studies economic institutions; TEP 4, led by apt. Yangie Dwi Marga Pinanga, M.Sc., Ph.D. (SF), concentrates on conflict management and mitigation design; and TEP 5, under the leadership of Dr. Syarif Hidayat, S.T., M.T. (FTSL), investigates infrastructure connectivity and access to basic services.

The workshop and FGD were officially opened by the Acting Regional Secretary of Manokwari Regency, Yan Ayomi, S.Sos. In his remarks, he emphasized the significance of the Patriot Expedition as an essential effort to strengthen governance and accelerate development in the transmigration area. He stated that the research carried out by the teams not only provides a comprehensive picture of field conditions but also offers a scientific basis for designing accurate and sustainable policies.

“The regional government greatly benefits from the availability of data and recommendations derived from rigorous studies such as this,” he said. He added that forums like the FGD serve as strategic platforms for refining research findings through direct engagement with stakeholders.

Yan Ayomi also expressed appreciation for the thematic activities hosted during the expedition period, particularly those focused on capacity building for communities, government officials, economic actors, and educators. “Enhancing knowledge and skills is a key element in promoting community self-reliance,” he noted.

After the opening session, participants were divided into five thematic discussion rooms according to their respective fields. The FGD sessions served as a crucial stage for validating survey results, interviews, sample collection, and field assessments. Through interactive dialogue and active participation from stakeholders, the resulting recommendations are expected to be sharper, more realistic, and more applicable in practice.

This initiative is anticipated to become a strong foundation for designing inclusive, data-driven, and sustainable development policies and programs within the transmigration areas of Manokwari.

Writer Team: apt. Yangie Dwi Marga Pinanga, M.Sc., Ph.D., and Dr. Ir. Rijanti Rahaju Maulani, SP., M.Si.