Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia's Transmigration Minister M. Iftitah Suryanagara reported that 50 companies have expressed interest in investing a combined capital of up to Rp240 trillion (US$14.3 billion) in transmigration zones nationwide over the next four years.Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, he noted that the ministry’s Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) projects these potential investments could absorb approximately 200,000 workers, stimulating local economies.Suryanagara highlighted the Kaliorang transmigration zone in East Kalimantan as a strategic destination, offering potential in mining, palm oil, and port development.“In fact, our ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with LX International Corp. of South Korea, which intends to channel Rp1.2 trillion (over US$71.5 million) in port investment,” the minister noted.He also detailed investment plans worth Rp5 trillion for the Melolo transmigration zone in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, emphasizing the region’s strength in sugar and bioethanol production.Furthermore, Merauke in South Papua is expected to receive over Rp100 trillion to optimize fisheries, marine resources, and sugarcane cultivation.He went on to say that investments ranging from Rp500 million to Rp3 billion would be sufficient to develop solar dryers for agricultural commodities and to procure installations needed to produce virgin coconut oil (VCO) and essential oils at the village level.At the regional level, Suryanagara stated that up to Rp10 billion in investment is required to develop equipment capable of processing or milling 5–10 tonnes of rice, cassava, and corn daily.Meanwhile, Rp15 billion–25 billion is needed to establish centers for small and medium industries, VCO plants, cold storage facilities, and maritime logistical corridors, all of which are expected to boost regional income by 45–60 percent.Highlighting the palm oil industry, the minister noted that investments ranging from Rp30 billion to Rp100 billion are required to develop plants with an hourly capacity of 5–30 tonnes of fresh fruit bunches, covering 10–15 hectares of land.In addition, the development of modern slaughterhouses and fish canneries must be supported by investments worth between Rp15 billion and Rp50 billion.The minister stressed that while investments are essential for the growth of transmigration zones, the government remains committed to ensuring that no economic or exploration projects undermine the principle of environmental sustainability.