The development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan is currently in the public spotlight. This project not only focuses on physical infrastructure development but also on human resource (HR) development and community involvement. Given the large scale and impact of this project, community support is a key element in ensuring the success of IKN development. It is hoped that with the existence of IKN, various benefits will be felt by the surrounding community, both from an economic, social and environmental perspective.
One of the biggest benefits of IKN development is increasing economic growth in the region. This project will attract massive investment, both from within the country and abroad. With massive infrastructure development, from roads, airports, to ports, the area around IKN will become a center of dynamic new economic activity. This of course will open up many job opportunities for local people.
The Directorate of Economic and Maritime Information and Communication, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo) has taken proactive steps to involve the community in IKN development. One of them is through the CreativeTalks Literacy Corner Influencer Gathering event in Makassar, which carries the theme “How far has IKN development gone?”. This event is designed to build dialogue and increase public awareness about IKN developments and invite the public to actively participate in spreading positive information.
Director of Economic and Maritime Information and Communication, Septriana Tangkary, said the Ministry of Communication and Information’s important role was in designing internet network systems and developing an Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE), as well as providing a National Data Center (PDN). This PDN will be the backbone of digital infrastructure that enables centralized and efficient data management. Accurate and reliable information is very important in preventing the spread of hoaxes that could damage public perception about this project. Septriana emphasized the importance of verifying information before it is distributed and encouraged the public to report hoax news to the Ministry of Communication and Information.
Head of the Human Resources and Public Relations Bureau of the Indonesian Capital City Authority (OIKN), Firmananur, stated that apart from infrastructure, IKN development is also committed to the principle of sustainability. Around 70 percent of the IKN area will remain forest area, showing the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability. This development is not only limited to physical infrastructure but also includes human resource development through reskilling and upskilling programs. Skills training for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), cooking classes, baristas, sewing, hydroponics, coding classes and solar panel training, are some examples of initiatives that have been implemented.
Meanwhile, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi is also actively monitoring the development of transportation infrastructure in IKN. The IKN Airport project, which is targeted to operate in August 2024, is said to have shown significant progress, with work on the runway and terminal building progressing according to plan. Good transportation infrastructure will be key in supporting connectivity and mobility in the IKN region, which in turn will attract more investment and economic activity.
Apart from that, massive development in IKN, especially in sectors such as construction, services and tourism will certainly create new jobs and improve the standard of living of the local community.
This is what makes the Executive Director of the Segara Research Institute, Piter Abdullah, optimistic that the area around IKN will develop rapidly after the basic infrastructure is completed. The government’s consistency in completing this project is a determining factor in attracting investment. According to him, after basic infrastructure such as roads, dams and other public facilities are completed, investors will start to come in and build additional facilities needed to support city life.
On the other hand, OIKN also ensures that development is carried out taking into account the rights and welfare of local communities. Steps to mitigate social impacts and empower communities continue to be taken, as stated by the Acting Deputy Head of the Archipelago Capital Authority, Raja Juli Antoni. This process involves local governments and related agencies to ensure that communities receive fair protection and compensation.
IKN development is not only about building buildings and roads, but also about creating a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem. Community support is very important in making this project a success. Active participation in disseminating positive and accurate information, as well as involvement in empowerment programs, will help create a strong foundation for this new capital city.
Apart from that, support for IKN development will also have an impact on improving the quality of life of the surrounding community. This is because better infrastructure, including access to health services, education and transportation, will help improve the welfare of residents.
Collaboration between government, society and the private sector will be key in realizing IKN’s vision as a modern, sustainable and competitive government center. With full support from the community, IKN development can run smoothly and achieve its long-term goal, namely creating a capital city that is not only physically magnificent but also superior in terms of the quality of life of its citizens.
)* Infrastructure and urban planning observer
