Gov't develops local commodities in Bengkulu's transmigration area

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The Diponegoro University Patriot Expedition research team in the Padang Ulak Tanding (PUT) transmigration area, Rejang Lebong District, Bengkulu Province. (ANTARA/Tim Riset Lapangan Tim Ekspedisi Patriot Undip).

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - The Transmigration Ministry, in collaboration with Diponegoro University (Undip), is developing the potential of local commodities such as robusta coffee, rubber, and premium durian in the Padang Ulak Tanding (PUT) transmigration area, Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu.

“The productivity of robusta coffee in the PUT area can reach four tons per hectare. With proper management, coffee and rubber can become the driving forces of the local transmigrant economy,” said Rosyida, Head of Undip’s Patriot Expedition Field Research Team, contacted here on Tuesday.

The Patriot Expedition Team was launched by the Transmigration Ministry with the purpose of bridging the academic world and policymaking to ensure that knowledge and research deliver tangible benefits to local communities.

As of August, the Patriot Expedition program has deployed 2,000 members to 154 transmigration areas to support national self-sufficiency and economic development.

Rosyida, who leads the study on agricultural and plantation commodities, added that PUT’s local durian also has a premium sweet and rich flavor with thick flesh, making it highly potential as a superior horticultural product.

The development initiative began through research launched in late August 2025. The first research phase, expected to conclude in December 2025, aims to produce comprehensive recommendations for the development of transmigration areas.

The study covers social, economic, education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and plantation aspects across three sub-districts: Padang Ulak Tanding, Kota Padang, and Sindang Beliti Ilir, covering a total of ten transmigration villages.

Rosyida noted that the area has strong agro-technological potential to support high-value plantation crops.

Meanwhile, Bengkulu Provincial Head of Transmigration and Manpower, Heppy Yana Syateri, said the research is part of the government's strategies to strengthen the economic independence of transmigrant communities.

“Transmigration is not only about relocating people but ensuring their economic sustainability. The Undip's team expedition brings new enthusiasm for making PUT better known and grow economically,” Syateri said.

Gov't develops local commodities in Bengkulu's transmigration area

The Transmigration Ministry, in collaboration with Diponegoro University (Undip), is developing the potential of local commodities such as robusta coffee, ...

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