Model Kolaborasi Kelembagaan Ekonomi di Kawasan Transmigrasi Tasifeto-Mandeu, Belu, Nusa Tenggara Timut

Abstract

The Transmigration Transformation agenda faces implementation constraints stemming from fragmentation of local economic institutions and limited human resources, severely hindering multi-sector synergy and the achievement of economies of scale for leading commodities in the Tasifeto-Mandeu Area, Belu, NTT. This study aims to recommend focused institutional governance policies to accelerate the development of the transmigration area. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with economic institutions across 23 villages, substantiated by institutional typology analysis and social network analysis (SNA). The analysis reveals that the primary institutional barriers are fragmentation and heterogeneous institutional capacity. The typology analysis identified that many village-level institutions fall into the crowd category (low capacity and low commodity relevance), which impedes the sustainable development of leading commodities. Furthermore, SNA indicates that local economic networks (Farmer Groups, BUMDes, and KDMP) are weak in controlling the flow of resources and possess minimal collective bargaining power. To counter this fragmentation, the proposed model advocates for the establishment of a Regional Economic Institution functioning as a single hub and distribution/collection center. This model operates within the Penta Helix framework, where the single hub centralizes macro functions (contract negotiation and procurement centralization) to guarantee input cost efficiency and sales price certainty (off-take agreements). The key solution is a model driven by social entrepreneurs and supported by targeted human resource capacity building programs (Trans Patriot). Implementing this strategy will enhance value chain efficiency and transform the transmigration area into an integrated, sustainable economic center.