By : Joanna Alexandra Putri )*
The construction of the IKN is in progress and it is targeted that in mid-2024, the Presidential Palace will be completed, because it will serve as the venue for the August 17 Independence ceremony. The development of IKN is supported by various parties. Their support is very important because it will expedite its development, and IKN will stand in accordance with the targets set by President Jokowi.
The new Indonesian National Capital (IKN) will be built in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan. This development is a mega project so it takes years. The community is very impressed with the IKN concept, which, although it has not been completed, is already amazing. IKN Nusantara is not just an ordinary capital city, not a mega-city with giant buildings like Jakarta, but will become a sophisticated green city .
Various parties support the smooth development of IKN Nusantara. Ahead of Ramadan 1444 H, the Ansor Youth Movement together with the NU Banser of Sepaku District, North Penajam Paser Regency held a Gathering & Istighosah, at the Zero Point Hall, on Sunday 19 March 2023. This activity was structured by a declaration or statement of attitude to support the smooth development of the National Archipelago’s IKN at Sepaku PPU which safe and conducive.
The head of PAC Ansor Sepaku Hendro Susilo stated that the purpose of this gathering was to bring all communities under the auspices of NU closer together to work together so that the development of IKN runs smoothly, safely and conducively.
Hendro continued, Ramadan must be greeted with joy, remembrance and prayer together. He and all the congregation also asked the central government to work together with the East Kalimantan Regional Police to create a safe and peaceful atmosphere, so that the construction of the IKN runs smoothly, as expected by President Jokowi and all Indonesian people.
In a sense, the indigenous people of North Penajam Paser support the construction of the IKN. They are optimistic that if Penajam is renamed Nusantara and made the capital of Indonesia, the area will be more advanced. IKN Nusantara will be a sophisticated city and advance Kalimantan, especially in the Penajam, Sepaku and surrounding areas.
With the support of the indigenous people of North Penajam Paser, the impact will be very good, because the construction of IKN projects will run smoothly. Residents of North Penajam Paser are not disturbed when trucks and heavy equipment pass through their area. The community also has no objections to the IKN, in fact they are happy because the area is getting more advanced and the infrastructure is being added (in the form of roads and the Sepaku Dam).
The support from the community is very meaningful and they are not against the IKN development project at all, let alone hold demonstrations against it. Even if there are people who provoke people to hold demonstrations, they are ignored.
Meanwhile, support was also present from Dayak community leaders. A traditional Dayak Kenyah leader and elder in East Kalimantan, Drs Laden Mering, SH, MH stated that the Dayak tribe strongly supports the development of the national capital in East Kalimantan. No society is against it. Laden also hopes that Dayak figures will sit and be involved in the construction of the new capital because they can be the driving force behind its development.
In a sense, the relocation of the national capital is fully supported by many parties. Not only the local government in North Penajam Paser, but also the Dayak people as native citizens of East Kalimantan. If there is support, the transfer will certainly run smoothly because there are no conflicts.
Efforts to minimize conflict are indeed very important because relocation should not lead to war between tribes. If there is support from the Dayak people themselves, there will be no friction due to SARA or brawls due to competition between migrants and indigenous people.
Meanwhile, support also emerged from Kutai community leaders. Haji Aji Prince Haryo Kusumo Puger, Member of the Advisory Board of the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate, stated that the Sultanate supports the development of the national capital in North Penajam Paser. However, keep in mind not to set aside regional culture. Having the nation’s capital city in Borneo will strengthen the nation’s culture and respect each other and strengthen friendship.
H Aji Prince Haryo Kusumo Puger added that the government must pay attention to customary lands because they are inherited from their ancestors. Part of the customary land of the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate was given voluntarily to be made the territory of the new national capital.
In a sense, the Kutai Kertanegara Sultanate was kind enough to give their customary land, because they were willing to sacrifice for the progress of Indonesia. However, the dat land must really be treated. Therefore, land must be used according to its function and not to be misused.
The support from the Dayak and Kutai Kartanegara communities is invaluable because they, as indigenous tribes living in Kalimantan, act as hosts. The government has a higher position than the kingdom, but respects each other, resulting in mutually beneficial cooperation.
Various parties support the smooth development of IKN Nusantara, from civilians to traditional leaders. Their support is very meaningful because it will launch the IKN Nusantara development project. There are no residents who oppose the construction of the IKN because they are aware that the North Penajam Paser area will be more developed if it becomes the location of the new capital city of Indonesia.
)* The author is a Jeka Media Institute Contributor