The episode begins by introducing Indonesia as a classic LEDC case study for solving population problems through transmigration. It explains that Indonesia has a core-periphery structure, with Java as the densely populated core and outlying islands as the periphery. Java's population density exceeds 600 people per square kilometer, while some islands have between 0 and 49 people per square kilometer. Indonesia is described as a collection of islands north of Australia, mostly with equatorial climates and rainforests. In 1995, the population was about 200 million, with a high growth rate indicated by a birth rate of 25 per thousand and death rate of 9 per thousand, compared to the UK's 1.6 per thousand birth rate. The main problem is people moving to Java, especially Jakarta, for work. The government initially tried to stop Jakarta's growth by relocating government departments to other cities, but this had minimal impact. Realizing the need for job opportunities elsewhere, the government established the Transmigration Policy. This policy aims to reduce Java's population by resettling people from the core to the periphery in new government-set farming areas. Migrants receive free transport, land, housing, and assurances like food and fertilizer for the first 12 months. However, more people apply than the scheme can accommodate, and it makes little impression on Java's overcrowding. The scheme has experienced political, environmental, and socio-economic problems. The episode ends by noting the government's additional efforts to stop development, though details are cut off in the transcript.
