First published in 1986. The abolition of regional disparities is one of the main targets of Indonesian economic policy. Within the scope of the Indonesian-German Technical Cooperation the East Kalimantan Transmigration Area Development Project (TAD) is intended to contribute to supporting this policy. This study was carried out to support this work - as a first step to gain relevant information. The report is based on interviews with transmigrant families. They were made before transmigration in the so-called 'transitos' in Java and Bali and after transmigration in eight settlements in Riau and East Kalimantan.