Jakarta. The Transmigration Ministry has sent a 37-member delegation to China to study regional development and explore how Chinese governance and planning practices could be adapted to support the country's transmigration program.

The delegation comprises ministry officials, academics from several universities, regional government representatives, and members of transmigration communities, Deputy Transmigration Minister Viva Yoga Mauladi said on Monday.

Viva said participants would attend seminars and conduct field visits in several Chinese cities, including Yichang and Manang, to examine development models that could be applied in Indonesia's transmigration areas.

"The objective is to learn, hold discussions and conduct field studies in areas whose governance we believe could be adapted to Indonesia's transmigration regions," he told reporters.

He said Indonesia's transmigration areas vary widely in their social, economic and cultural characteristics, meaning development strategies must be tailored to local conditions rather than applying a single model nationwide.

"Given the diversity of transmigration areas from Sabang to Merauke, we want to develop each region according to its social, economic and cultural characteristics while strengthening its leading industries and products," he said.

Viva said the knowledge gained from the visit was expected to help increase productivity, create added value, and open new opportunities for industrial and business development in transmigration areas.

He added that the program would also strengthen Indonesia-China cooperation in human resource development and regional planning.

"By learning directly from China, we hope to deepen communication, strengthen diplomatic relations and foster closer ties between our two countries," he said.

Viva stressed that all expenses for the program are being covered by the Chinese government, meaning no Indonesian state budget funds are being used.