Sigi, 27 October 2025 — The Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI), in collaboration with the Government of Sigi Regency, held a strategic seminar focused on strengthening institutions and accelerating digital transformation in the Palolo Transmigration Area. This initiative represents a concrete step in mapping the region’s potential so that Palolo can penetrate international markets, in line with the national development vision through transmigration programs.

The seminar, held at the Hall of the Sigi Regent’s Office, was attended by the Regent of Sigi, Mohamad Rizal Intjenae, Deputy Regent Samuel Yansen Pongi, Chair of TEP UI Palolo Prof. Dr. Teguh Kurniawan, M.Sc., Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Office (Nakertrans) Febrianto Borman, as well as related Regional Apparatus Organization (OPD) officials.

Prof. Dr. Teguh Kurniawan highlighted that the Palolo Transmigration Area is a tangible manifestation of the spirit of development from the periphery. However, amid the challenges of the digital era, transformation has become a necessity to drive progress and regional self-reliance.

It was also conveyed that the Palolo Transmigration Area was built through hard work and a strong commitment to development from the margins. Nevertheless, to respond to contemporary challenges, especially those related to digitalization, transformative efforts are needed to address existing gaps and unlock the region’s full potential.

In line with this, Head of the Sigi Regency Nakertrans Office, Febrianto Borman, explained that the presence of the Universitas Indonesia Patriot Expedition Team aims to map various local potentials in Palolo and support the development of transmigration areas through academic and innovative approaches.

“This potential is highly relevant to the vision and mission of the Regent of Sigi, which focus on developing the agricultural and tourism sectors. As a concrete step to support digitalization, the Nakertrans Office has received directives from the Regent to install internet networks, such as Starlink, in remote villages like Lemban Tongoa, to help communities market their products through social media,” he added.

Regent of Sigi, Mohamad Rizal Intjenae, emphasized that the success of transmigration programs should not only be measured by their implementation, but also by the quality of products produced by the community.

“The products from transmigration areas must be different from those produced in non-transmigration areas. That difference is a sign of success in managing transmigration regions,” the Regent explained.

He also directed all Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) to take an active role in developing transmigration areas. Such involvement should not be limited to the Nakertrans Office alone, but also include the health and education sectors, as well as the management of agricultural and plantation outputs.

Through this collaboration between academia and the local government, the Palolo Transmigration Area is expected to transform into a self-reliant, competitive region that is adaptive to digital and technological developments.