Domande Transmigration Area Boosts Economic Independence in Papua

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Transmigration, Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, inaugurated the Domande Local Transmigration Area in Malin District, Merauke Regency, South Papua, on Wednesday August 26, 2026. The area features 100 houses and eight public facilities built on 100 hectares of land and is ready to be occupied and used by local communities.

The Minister of Transmigration said the provision of housing and public facilities serves as a stimulus to encourage local communities to become more self-reliant. The government is also encouraging residents to maximize local natural resources as a foundation for developing the area’s economy.

“We want to convey that through the transmigration program, local communities can obtain jobs, and they can even become entrepreneurs themselves, then increase their income, and ultimately, prosperity for all can truly be achieved. In addition, I have also assigned the Patriot Transmigrants in the afternoon to educate the younger generation through an English Corner, as well as character-building training,” Muhammad Iftitah said.

The program also aims to strengthen the capacity of young people in Domande through additional educational activities and character-building programs. These efforts are expected to create more opportunities for local residents to develop their skills while improving economic productivity.

Meanwhile, Merauke Regent, Yoseph Bladib Gebze, said the local government would establish partnerships with the private sector and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to manage natural resources and expand markets for Domande community products. The partnerships are expected to provide wider market access for locally processed products.

“We are building partnerships, and this is part of the requirements we issue in the form of permits that must be fulfilled by profit-oriented companies before entering Merauke. So, our products can later be supplied to these companies for marketing, both within South Papua, but we also hope that one day they can reach markets outside South Papua,” Yoseph said.

The economic development of the Domande area will also be integrated with the Red and White Fishermen’s Village program developed by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The integration is expected to strengthen connections between economic sectors and increase the added value of local resources.

The government hopes that the development of the Domande Local Transmigration Area will provide a foundation for communities to build more independent livelihoods. Housing, public facilities, youth capacity-building, and expanded market access are expected to support economic growth and improve the welfare of communities in South Papua.