Chapter 12: Transmigration as a Solution to Equitable Development: A Literature Study Transmigration Programme in Indonesia

Transmigration development in Indonesia is distinct from similar programmes in other countries. The Indonesian government implements this programme by continuously relocating a substantial number of residents from the island of Java to other islands. In contrast, other countries conduct population transfers on a smaller scale, with less frequency, usually as part of a resettlement initiative. Twenty-seven countries worldwide implement population transfer programmes like transmigration, each with varying names, backgrounds, and objectives, yet sharing similar foundations in political, economic, socio-cultural, and defence and security interests and even, in some cases, ideological motivations (Yudohusodo, 2003). For example, in Vietnam, population transfer is ideologically driven and economically motivated, known as Resettlement. In Malaysia, the transfer of populations from smallholder agriculture to large plantations operates under programmes like Felda, Mada, Risda, Perda, and Felcra. In the Philippines, resettlement associated with land reform is called Bung Bayang. Thailand has developed settlements tied to defence and security known as the Self-Defence Village or Aw Paw Paw Village. The politically and security-driven resettlement programme in Sri Lanka is known as the Mahaweli Project. Peru runs similar programmes called the San Lorenzo, Chimbote, and Lajaya, while Bolivia has the Alto Beni Project. Additionally, Paraguay’s version is called Colonisation, Kenya’s is known as the White Highlands Project, and in Mexico, the Lermo Basin Project (Yudohusodo, 2003).