The construction of the new National Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan is one of the Indonesian government’s ambitious projects in the last few decades. With the aim of creating a more affordable, sustainable and decentralized government center, the project is expected to not only improve equitable development across the country but also create new economic opportunities for local communities. One of the key aspects in the success of this project is the active participation of local communities.
Local community participation in IKN development is not only important from a social and economic perspective but also to ensure the sustainability and success of the project. Local communities have valuable knowledge and insight into environmental conditions, specific needs and local potential that can make significant contributions to project design and implementation.
The government continues to be active in involving local community participation in the successful development of the Indonesian Capital City. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that local community involvement must be a top priority in the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan, lest the community feel marginalized, evicted or even evicted. The construction of the IKN is still under construction, this project is being carried out in accordance with existing plans and is not being carried out in a rush.
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Active participation of local communities can improve project quality by providing diverse perspectives and relevant input. Local communities can provide information about soil conditions, natural resources, and local practices that project planners from outside the area may not have considered. In this way, IKN projects can be better adapted to real conditions in the field, reducing the risk of errors and increasing implementation success.
The Archipelago Capital Authority (IKN) consistently strives to increase the involvement and empowerment of local communities in the East Kalimantan region. A number of stakeholders, including community leaders and cultural activists, stated that the IKN Authority had shown significant concern for the preservation of local culture amidst the development of the IKN.
Local culture activist for the Balik tribe in the IKN area, Dahlia Yati, said that the IKN Authority has not only shown concern, but also responded well to local culture. He revealed that in every activity held by the IKN Authority, his party was always asked to participate in local cultural activities or dances from the Balik tribe.
To ensure that the economic benefits of the IKN project can be enjoyed by local communities, the government is committed to empowering the local economy. This includes providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs to participate in project contracts and tenders, as well as supporting the development of small and medium enterprises that can support development activities.
The government seeks to involve local communities in the decision-making process regarding IKN development. This is done through the formation of committees or consultative forums consisting of representatives of local communities, stakeholders and government officials. Through this forum, strategic decisions regarding projects can be discussed and decided collaboratively.
The presence of IKN has had a positive impact on the local economy, enabling people to do business by opening trading businesses, accommodation and homestays. Despite the impact of noise, the community still accepts this condition as part of the development of their area.
IKN development must involve greater community participation, Acting Deputy Head of the IKN Authority, Raja Juli Anton said that community safety must be the main priority, for example in the construction of the IKN VVIP airport which must pay attention to safety factors, not just the speed of project completion.
It is important to ensure that IKN development not only brings progress, but also involves and benefits local communities and preserves the environment
It is hoped that the development of IKN will bring new economic opportunities for local communities. By involving them in various aspects of the project, such as the provision of goods and services, infrastructure development, and other related economic activities, local communities can directly benefit from the project. This can also help reduce poverty and improve the welfare of communities around IKN.
Communities involved in the development process tend to feel more ownership of the project, which can strengthen social support and reduce the potential for conflict. Local community participation creates a sense of ownership and responsibility, which can encourage active participation in development activities and maintenance of the infrastructure being built.
Active participation of local communities is a crucial element in the success of IKN development. Through active involvement, communities can make valuable contributions to project design and implementation, and enjoy the resulting economic benefits. The government, in this case, has the responsibility to facilitate participation by providing adequate information, empowering the local economy, and involving the community in the decision-making process.
By overcoming challenges and taking advantage of existing opportunities, IKN development can become a successful example of an inclusive and sustainable development project. Through collaboration between the government and local communities, it is hoped that IKN can achieve its goal of becoming a modern and competitive government center, while providing long-term benefits for all Indonesian people.