By: Andi Mahesa)*
The development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan is not just a matter of moving the center of government from Jakarta to a more strategic area. Behind this ambitious project lies great potential for economic growth, both for the surrounding areas and for the country as a whole.
Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Student Union (KMHDI), Wayan Darmawan, assessed that the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) is an effort by the government to build economic equality throughout the regions. According to him, the development of the IKN which began during Jokowi’s leadership era must be continued by the new Prabowo-Gibran government.
Wayan Darmawan said that from the beginning the government wanted to spread the centers of economic growth to all regions so that there would be no centralization on the island of Java. The economic centers must be spread to areas that are considered to experience inequality when compared to the island of Java, one example is the eastern part of Indonesia. The economic inequality is also very easy to see in terms of infrastructure development, people’s prosperity and other economic aspects.
One of the most striking things about the development of the IKN is the massive infrastructure development that will accompany the process of moving the capital city. Highways, bridges, airports, ports, and telecommunications infrastructure will be built to support smooth access and connectivity between the IKN and other regions. With the presence of various modern infrastructures, seen from an economic perspective, the area around the IKN will feel a positive impact in terms of ease of access and acceleration of mobility.
With the development of the IKN along with adequate infrastructure, Darmawan is confident that the center of Indonesia’s economy will slowly move from the Java region. This is because the eastern region of Indonesia has great potential, so it is hoped that the development of this IKN will have potential that can be developed.
To do so requires a strong commitment from President Prabowo Subianto and all other levels of government. IKN is a big dream for the people of Indonesia. A dream that will lead the people of Indonesia to its golden era.
IKN is designed as a catalyst to unlock Indonesia’s overall economic potential, drive growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty. IKN will be a symbol of national identity and a new center of economic gravity that is expected to bring a multiplier effect by becoming an epicenter of growth that will be more evenly distributed throughout Indonesia.
Head of Paser Customary Institution, Sepaku District, Penajam Paser Utara Regency, Hasanuddin said that the government through the IKN Authority has had a positive impact on the local community. The government is aware of the importance of empowering the surrounding community so that they can take advantage of the economic opportunities created. Local economic empowerment programs, such as skills training, entrepreneurship, and access to markets, need to be carried out seriously. The implementation of cultural activities and job training has increased employment opportunities and income for local residents. Income for local business actors has also increased, which initially in one day before the IKN only earned around IDR 5 million, now they can earn twice as much.
Natural Resources (SDA) in East Kalimantan, both SDA that can be processed for industry and local craft and cultural products must be part of the developing IKN economy. For this reason, synergy between the government, private sector, and society must be realized so that the economic benefits of IKN development can be felt evenly, not only by a handful of people, but by all levels of society.
Hasanuddin sees this as a great opportunity for the indigenous tribes of this region to participate in economic development based on local wisdom and cultural diversity. The development of the IKN must include aspects of protecting and strengthening the rights of indigenous peoples, so that their existence is still respected in every policy taken.
Meanwhile, seen from the investment side, the IKN Development is a new magnet for investment in East Kalimantan. The East Kalimantan Provincial Government is also optimistic that investment performance in East Kalimantan will continue to increase. Integrated infrastructure development will also increase Indonesia’s attractiveness to foreign and domestic investors.
Based on the data, investment realization in East Kalimantan Province until the third quarter of 2024 reached IDR55.82 trillion sourced from domestic investment and investment from foreign countries. Head of the East Kalimantan Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office (DPMPTSP), Fahmi Prima Laksana said that the accumulated investment realization in the third quarter consisted of Domestic Investment (PMDN) of IDR38.65 trillion and Foreign Investment (PMA) of IDR17.16 trillion. Meanwhile, the target for investment realization in East Kalimantan Province itself in 2024 was set at IDR76.02 trillion.
Overall, the development of the IKN has great potential in creating inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By utilizing existing opportunities, the IKN can become a development model that not only benefits Indonesia, but also makes a major contribution to the world. This development is also a bold step for a better future for Indonesia. Now, it is time for the entire community to move together, with a spirit of mutual cooperation, to make the IKN a center for economic growth, diversity, and unity of the Indonesian nation.
)* The author is a student who lives in Jakarta.