Transmigration areas are not only new places of residence for communities, but also spaces for sustainably developing local potential. The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), is present within transmigrant communities through an applicative research approach grounded in real, on-the-ground needs.

The FMIPA UI Patriot Expedition Team conducted intensive research in the Bathin III Ulu Transmigration Area, Bungo Regency, Jambi. Carried out over a four-month period, the research focused on the community’s socio-economic conditions as well as environmentally friendly and sustainable oil palm plantation management. Through site surveys, dialogue, direct assistance, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with the local government, the team sought to comprehensively understand the needs of transmigrant communities.

The research findings were presented directly by Prof. Dr. Dewi Susiloningtyas, S.Si., M.Si., from the Department of Geography, FMIPA UI, to the Minister of Transmigration, M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanegara, on 15 November 2025 at the Office of the Ministry of Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia. Prof. Dewi led a team consisting of Nurzakiah Aulia Burhanuddin (Geography student, FMIPA UI), Sintia Cahya Rahayu (Animal Science student, Universitas Padjadjaran), Zakia Khairunnisa (Geography alumna, FMIPA UI), and Mutmainnah (Library Science alumna, FIB UI).

“Through the Patriot Expedition, FMIPA UI ensures that our research truly addresses the needs of transmigrant communities. We deliver applicative solutions, grounded in field data, and oriented toward sustainability,” said Prof. Dewi.

The Minister of Transmigration warmly welcomed and expressed appreciation for the report presented by the team.

“What FMIPA UI has done demonstrates that university research can have a tangible presence within communities. The report and recommendations presented are highly relevant and can serve as references in the development of transmigration policies, particularly in the sustainable management of oil palm plantations,” said Minister M. Iftitah.

He emphasized that research-based approaches and community engagement, such as those carried out by FMIPA UI, are aligned with the direction of sustainable and inclusive national transmigration area development.

In addition to research, the team also provided hands-on training for the community. These activities included map-based nutrition management and maintenance of oil palm plantations, innovations in utilizing palm shell waste, and the production of organic fertilizer from oil palm fronds. The training was guided by FMIPA UI alumni who are now active in the industrial sector, namely Muhammad Reihan Adilla, S.Si., Salsabila Freya, S.Si., and Tiara Ade Lina. Through these skills, transmigrant communities can improve soil fertility while reducing plantation production costs.

Cross-university collaboration was also a key factor in the success of this program. The Patriot Expedition Team, involving students and alumni from FMIPA UI, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), and Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad), demonstrated that the development of transmigration areas can be strengthened through the synergy of scientific knowledge and practical, on-the-ground implementation.

Through a comprehensive research approach, community needs–based training, and recognition from the Minister of Transmigration, FMIPA UI has demonstrated that universities can have a tangible presence within society. These efforts not only enhance productivity and welfare, but also open opportunities for sustainable and environmentally friendly development in transmigration areas.