UNDIP, Muara Kuang, Ogan Ilir (November 10, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the development of transmigration areas in Indonesia. On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, through the Patriot Transmigration Program, a UNDIP team led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wiwandari Handayani, S.T., M.T., MPS, as the Person in Charge (PIC) of the program, together with Prof. Dr. Walter Timo de Vries from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, and Prof. Dr. Achmad Zulfa Juniarto as the PIC of the Patriot Expedition Program, conducted a site visit to the Muara Kuang Transmigration Area in Ogan Ilir Regency.
The Universitas Diponegoro team carried out direct field observations at the transmigration site, which currently consists of 15 households (HH)—a significant decline from the 100 households recorded in 2013. The remaining residents have chosen to stay because they have no other viable alternatives. Their primary source of livelihood is rubber cultivation.
During the visit, Muhammad Alfian, S.Sos., the Subdistrict Head of Muara Kuang, along with residents, expressed appreciation and gratitude for the continuation of the transmigration program, while welcoming the attention and support from the government and UNDIP through this initiative. However, several persistent issues remain in the field. Key concerns include inadequate infrastructure and basic services, particularly the limited electricity supply and damaged housing conditions.
Also present at the event was the UNDIP Patriot Expedition Team, led by Prof. Ir. Didik Wisnu Widjajanto, M.Sc. Res., Ph.D., and consisting of:
- Jon Andri Efendi Tumanggor (Alumnus, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences – Animal Science)
- Lidya Annisa Putri (Faculty of Engineering – Urban and Regional Planning)
- Muhammad Abduh Rasyid Ridho (Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences – Agroecotechnology)
- Widya Endang Hartina (Postgraduate Student, Faculty of Economics and Business – Management)
In addition, according to information from residents, the Muara Kuang community has been developing orange (citrus) cultivation as a promising regional commodity. Unfortunately, the crops are currently affected by citrus greening disease. To date, no technical assistance or agricultural extension has been provided regarding suitable fertilizers or proper disease management methods by the relevant authorities.
This monitoring activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 1 (No Poverty), which aims to enhance the welfare and economic independence of transmigrant communities; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), which promotes equitable regional development through transmigration; and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Establishing livable and sustainable transmigration settlements.
This visit serves as a concrete manifestation of UNDIP’s commitment to ensuring the success of Indonesia’s transmigration program — not merely relocating populations, but also making meaningful contributions to the achievement of the country’s sustainable development goals.
UNDIP remains steadfast in delivering tangible contributions to the nation — Noble and Valuable UNDIP. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Patriot Expedition Team Muara Kuang)
