Is the second generation of transmigrants more prosperous? A study of intergenerational welfare in ex-transmigration settlements

Abstract

Purpose. This study aims to analyze: (1) the characteristics of the second generation of transmigrants; (2) the welfare of the second generation compared to the first generation. Methodology / approach. The research setting is two villages in Rimbo Bujang District, Tebo Regency, Jambi Province, Indonesia. The population of this study consists of second-generation transmigrant families over the age of 20 or married. A simple random sampling method determined the sample. The number of samples is 40 respondents for each selected village; the total sample is 80 respondents for the second generation and 80 for the first generation. A descriptive analysis was conducted with the help of single and cross-frequency tables. Results. The welfare of the second generation is improved compared to the first generation. The study found that land fragmentation occurred in transmigrant families, but this did not cause a decrease in welfare, as there are job opportunities outside the agricultural sector and land fragmentation already within the family. The second generation of transmigrants can take advantage of these job opportunities outside the agricultural sector because their education is better than the first generation. Originality / scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of this research is related to the object of research, namely the welfare of transmigrant descendants. So far, research on transmigration has focused more on the first generation of transmigration and the macro aspects of the transmigration program. Practical value / implications. The government is recommended to facilitate and create a favorable investment climate so that non-agricultural business activities in transmigration villages can develop better. The development of these non-agricultural activities will open up new job opportunities and be able to eliminate the decline in welfare due to the fragmentation of land within the family.