By: Nana Gunawan
The National Capital or IKN Nusantara is a strategic project that will symbolize Indonesia’s progress and is expected to become a modern government center that prioritizes green energy. Therefore, the community has the same responsibility as the Government in ensuring the success of the development of the IKN Nusantara in East Kalimantan.
The community around the Nusantara IKN must be able to collaborate with other community groups to continuously support the success of the IKN development. It is the duty of the entire community to ensure the success of the development of the National Capital City (IKN). The positive impact of the development of the new capital city is very significant for the surrounding communities as well as for the Indonesian society as a whole.
All elements of society, both individuals and groups, must have the same commitment and good intentions so that the development process of the Nusantara IKN can continue to proceed as hoped without any obstacles. The government, in this case, must also be able to enhance the optimism of the public to maintain a harmonious life as a form of support for the smooth development of the new capital city (IKN), rather than the opposite, which would only complicate the situation and burden the government.
The IKN Authority emphasizes the importance of involving the surrounding community in the successful development of the new Government Center in Indonesia, located in East Kalimantan.
The Special Staff of the Head of the IKN Authority for Public Communication, Troy Harrold Yohanes Pantouw, stated that ongoing, strong, and meaningful engagement and communication efforts with the local community are crucial for the success of the development of the Nusantara IKN.
Involvement is carried out in various ways, including approaches through communication, the provision of various educational programs, and a range of other initiatives. The aim is to promote good sustainability practices, efforts in environmental protection, and environmental management, including eco-tourism, which will support sustainability for both society and local communities.
In addition, IKN Nusantara is determined to become the first city in the world to implement the concept of a Sustainable Forest City and is designed as a smart city. The application of technology not only improves the quality of life for the surrounding community but also manages the urban environment.
The Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation, Prof. Ir. Mohammed Ali Berawi, stated that the development of the Nusantara National Capital (IKN) provides an opportunity for the community to voice their ideas, opinions, hopes, and concerns regarding the development of the project.
According to him, one of the keys to the happiness of a community in a city lies in the involvement of the residents in planning the environment that will be their place of residence. Mohammed Ali Berawi also mentioned that the government is striving to create the Nusantara IKN as an example of a future city that not only prioritizes technological advancement in various aspects but also considers the happiness of its citizens, making it a livable city capable of delivering prosperity.
As the initiator and main implementer, the government plays a crucial role in the development of the new capital city (IKN), but the involvement of all elements of society is also essential for the success of this development. Thorough planning, transparency, and efficient budget management are the key factors to the success of the IKN project.
The government ensures that the development of the new capital city (IKN) not only prioritizes physical aspects but also pays attention to social and environmental aspects. Socialization programs must be intensified so that the community can adapt to the changes that will occur.
Active participation from the community must be empowered so that they can directly experience the benefits of the development of the Nusantara IKN. For example, by providing regular education and training, it can enhance the skills and abilities of the community, enabling them to be directly involved in the decision-making processes related to the local environment and culture.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkominfo) invites the public to take part in the development of the National Capital City (IKN) Nusantara. The Director of Economic and Maritime Communication Information at the Ministry of Communication and Information of the Republic of Indonesia, Septriana Tangkary, stated that the development of the National Capital (IKN) provides a great opportunity for the community to improve their welfare and quality of life. To that end, with the involvement of all elements of society, the development of the Nusantara IKN can achieve goals that reflect the nation’s identity with the foundation of Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.
On the other hand, the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, stated that the government cannot build the National Capital City (IKN) Nusantara independently. Therefore, Jokowi invites all parties to participate in supporting the success of the IKN development. The government is also consistently striving to enhance the involvement and empowerment of local communities in East Kalimantan, including community leaders and cultural activists. The IKN Authority not only shows concern but also responds positively to local culture.
Therefore, the Indonesian people are expected not to reduce their support for the sustainability of the development of the Nusantara IKN, as the government remains committed to maintaining and enhancing community involvement and local culture to promote the empowerment of local communities. Through concrete steps, Nusantara IKN can become an example of sustainable and inclusive development. Thus, it can be assured that the development of the Nusantara National Capital will continue until its completion in 2045.
The author is an Economic Observer at the Nusa Bangsa Institute.