IPB University Sends Off 285 Explorers in the Patriot Expedition Program
IPB University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transmigration (Kementrans), officially launched the Patriot Expedition Team 2025, which will conduct strategic studies in transmigration areas. The launch ceremony was held symbolically at the Andi Hakim Nasution (AHN) Auditorium, IPB University Dramaga Campus, on Friday (8/22).
The expedition involves 285 explorers, comprising 135 students and 93 IPB University alumni divided into 57 teams. Over four months, the explorers will be deployed across 21 provinces, 34 regencies, and 36 transmigration sites throughout Indonesia.
Director General of Economic Development and Community Empowerment for Transmigration, Dr Velix Vernando Wanggai, stated that this program is not merely a technocratic mission but also a spiritual mission and a mission rooted in the ancestral values of the nation.
“Transmigration is a journey of migration, a journey to build a new civilization for the nation. These explorers are ‘modern migrants,’ and the local communities will be the ‘hosts’ welcoming them. This is a historical task, a prophetic task, and a task of our ancestors,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Transmigration, reestablished by President Prabowo, has a significant mandate to support food security, inclusive economic growth, and regional development from Aceh to Papua.
The Vice Rector of IPB University for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, referred to the Patriot Expedition as an extraordinary initiative.
“This team involves academics, students, researchers, and multidisciplinary practitioners. They will identify the social, cultural, economic, environmental, institutional, infrastructure, and investment opportunities in the transmigration areas. The results will consist of five strategic study output groups that will support national transmigration development,” he explained.
He hoped, “May the IPB University Patriot Expedition Team bring honor to the campus by contributing relevant, applicable, and impactful research and service to national development, particularly in transmigration areas.”
Dr Hadian Purwangsa, Director of Agromaritime Community Development at IPB University, reported that the expedition team has been thoroughly prepared. The explorers use the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology to identify local strengths in each region.
“The strength of this program lies in having four explorers at each location for four full months. With the support of the kitchen team, experts can focus on the substance, resulting in stronger and more impactful research outcomes,” he explained.
Dr Hadian added that IPB University has developed four community service models for this expedition: Empowered Community Service, Community Service 4.0, Nusantara Community Service, and Collaborative Community Service. All four are aimed at strengthening village transformation, food security, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This collaboration program between IPB University and the Ministry of Transportation is also part of IPB University’s 2021–2028 Milestone, particularly the Global Engagement phase (2026), which targets strong, sustainable, and globally impactful collaboration networks.
“It is hoped that the IPB University Patriot Expedition Team can bring honor to the university through research and community service contributions that are practical and have a tangible impact on national development, particularly in the transmigration area,” he concluded. (AS) (IAAS/STD)
