Jakarta – The Indonesian government continues to ensure the continuation of the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN), by strengthening international cooperation and encouraging investment in the technology and education sectors to create a globally competitive city of the future.
Most recently, a number of Finnish entrepreneurs visited the IKN to explore investment opportunities in the Smart City sector. The visit was led by the Finnish Ambassador to Indonesia, Pekka Kaihilahti, together with the Deputy for Funding and Investment of the IKN Authority, Agung Wicaksono, and officials from the Ministry of Public Works.
“We want to collaborate in developing smart cities. Finland has the best expertise and technology in this concept, and we hope to share it with Indonesia,” said Pekka Kaihilahti.
The Finnish delegation reviewed various locations in the IKN, including the Proof of Concept (POC) Smart Pole at Rumah Tekno Nusantara and Plaza Seremoni, which demonstrated the application of advanced technology to support the city’s digital transformation. Agung Wicaksono added that Finland has submitted four letters of investment interest, one of which has been followed up into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is expected to accelerate the implementation of the project.
To date, total investment into the IKN has reached IDR58 trillion, including contributions from foreign investors. Finland is expected to be one of the main players in supporting the green and digital transformation in the IKN, strengthening Indonesia’s commitment to making the new capital a model of a sustainable smart city.
Meanwhile, the government is also focusing on developing an education ecosystem that is able to produce a generation that is ready to face future challenges. Deputy for Socio-Cultural and Community Empowerment, Alimuddin, explained that the IKN education roadmap is designed to involve relevant life skills for students, not only focusing on academic paths.
The IKN Authority collaborates with local governments to improve the quality of education, including through teacher capacity development programs and Free Nutritious Meals, to ensure the continuity of optimal teaching and learning processes.
In addition to Finland, the IKN also attracts attention from Sweden. Some time ago, Sweden sent representatives of Parliament to see firsthand the development of this national strategic project. The delegation led by Hon. Mr. Adam Reuterskiöld was welcomed directly by the Head of the IKN Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono.
Basuki revealed that Swedish investors are interested in investing in electric vehicle (EV) technology and transportation.
“Swedish Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, Gustav Dahlin, will bring potential investors back to the IKN in the near future,” he said.