Welcomed by the Merauke Regional Government, the IPB University Patriot Expedition Team is Ready to Research Leading Commodities in the Salor Transmigration Area
The IPB University Patriot Expedition Team was warmly welcomed by the Merauke Regional Government (Pemkab) to conduct research on the development of leading commodities in the Salor transmigration area, Papua. The team’s presence is part of a collaboration between universities and the Ministry of Transmigration (Kementrans) in supporting national development programs.
In Salor, IPB University deployed two teams with different focuses. The food crop team is led by Ratih Kemala Dewi, PhD, while the plantation team is chaired by Dr Swastiko Priyambodo. Both teams will conduct research for four months with the direct involvement of the community.
The Regent of Merauke, Yoseph Bladib Gebze, expressed his appreciation for the expedition team’s presence. He emphasized that research and field assistance are urgently needed to ensure that the transmigration program is on target.
“As stated in the 2025-2045 National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN), ministries are expected to contribute to rural and urban development. To achieve this, data and research are needed. Therefore, the Ministry of Transportation is collaborating with universities through the Patriot Expedition program. We welcome this program in Merauke Regency,” said Yoseph.
He added that Merauke is the regency that has received the most transmigrants in Papua from the 1960s to the 1990s, so that now the composition of its population is almost balanced between indigenous Papuans and people from other parts of the archipelago. “The presence of this team also answers the ideals of the 1945 Constitution, which is to promote general welfare and educate the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Field Coordinator of the IPB University Plantation Patriot Expedition Team, Ahmad Anggi Saputra, expressed his respect and gratitude for the welcome given. According to him, Merauke is not only a geographical boundary, but also a symbol of national unity.
“Our purpose in being here is to carry out the Patriot Expedition mission, foster leadership, strengthen solidarity, learn about diversity, and contribute to this region. We are committed to maintaining the good name of the region and upholding brotherhood,” said Anggi.
With the support of the local government, the expedition team is optimistic that research and assistance in the Salor transmigration area can make a real contribution to improving the welfare of the Merauke community. Moreover, Papua is set to become Indonesia’s food basket in the future. (*) (IAAS/LAN)
