Trans migration policies in Indonesia: government aims and popular response.

Abstract

The transmigration policy had multiple purposes: 1) to relieve population pressure in Java, 2) to secure economic development in the outer islands, 3) to secure and defend the marginal regions of the nation, and 4) to increase cultural assimilation, political integration, and economic consolidation to the end of developing Indonesia unity and a single national identity. The policy so far has been a failure even though it has been tried in various forms. This article reviews the reasons for government persistence in sponsoring transmigration and traces the response of those affected to discover why failure continues. Begins with an examination of demographic factors.-Author