The development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan is not only about moving the center of government, but also about building a more inclusive and sustainable future. One of the keys to achieving this goal is to empower local communities.
Local communities around IKN have valuable local knowledge and wisdom. They have lived in the region for centuries and have a strong connection to nature. Their knowledge and experience can be an important asset in building a sustainable and environmentally friendly IKN.
Previously, President Jokowi expressed his gratitude for the great support from the Dayak community in developing IKN. As an appreciation, President Jokowi plans to build a Dayak Center around the IKN area.
Dayak community organizations, such as Tariu Borneo Bangkule Rajakng (TBBR), also expressed their readiness to support IKN development. They emphasized the importance of paying attention to improving the Natural Resources (HR) of local communities, especially through education that is equivalent to global standards. Thus, IKN development is not only an infrastructure project, but also an effort to strengthen and respect cultural heritage and improve the welfare of local communities.
The government’s commitment to empowering local communities in IKN development is clearly visible through various programs and initiatives, such as involving the community in the decision-making process through various forums and discussions on IKN development, providing training in order to improve their skills so that local communities can work in various sectors in IKN , providing access to education and health to improve the quality of life, and providing assistance in developing local community businesses so they can compete in the wider market.
The Archipelago Capital Authority (OIKN) has also taken consistent steps to increase involvement and preservation of local culture in the East Kalimantan region. A number of community leaders and cultural activists, such as Dahlia Yati from the Balik tribe, expressed their appreciation for the efforts that had been made.
Dahlia Yati stated that OIKN not only shows concern, but also responds well to local culture. He revealed that in every activity held by the IKN Authority, local people are always asked to participate with cultural activities or dances.
The importance of maintaining the sustainability of local culture amidst the development of IKN is the main focus for the government. This is in line with the local community’s hopes that the existence of IKN will not displace local culture, and that indigenous communities will be given the opportunity to compete fairly with immigrants.
Chairman of the Paser Traditional Institution, Sepaku District, North Penajam Paser Regency, Hasanudin, said that OIKN’s empowerment efforts had had a positive impact on the local community. The implementation of cultural activities and job training has increased employment opportunities and income for local residents. Along with the development of IKN, OIKN remains committed to maintaining and increasing local cultural involvement and continuing to encourage community empowerment.
The Acting Governor of East Kalimantan Province, Akmal Malik, also gave confidence to the people of East Kalimantan that the presence of IKN would have a very positive impact on the governance and life of the people of East Kalimantan, including other areas outside Java. Apart from that, Akmal emphasized the importance of improving human resources through good education. According to him, this policy is very vital in facing the big future challenges posed by the existence of IKN. However, as previously explained, the government will help the young generation of Kalimantan so that they become a superior and high-quality generation.
Meanwhile, the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) has been involved in efforts to strengthen the business management of local community groups at IKN through the “Community Capacity Development Program by the ITB Lecturer Team”. This program, which is taking place in Bumi Harapan Village, Penajam Paser Utama Regency, East Kalimantan Province, from June to November 2023, aims to develop the economic potential of the local community, especially in the agricultural sector with an urban farming approach.
In this program, the Head of the Community Capacity Development Program, Dr. Ir. Mia Rosmiati, MP explained that the main focus is strengthening community group business management. This is expected to prepare IKN residents to manage agricultural businesses effectively amidst IKN’s development into a metropolitan city.
The ITB Lecturer Team works with local residents to increase their knowledge of business management, which is considered crucial in running a successful and sustainable agricultural business. By strengthening community organizations and business systems, this program leads to cultivation planning, planting patterns, and processing and marketing of agricultural products.
Empowering local communities is not only the government’s responsibility, but also the responsibility of all parties involved in IKN development. All stakeholders work together to ensure that local communities benefit from IKN development.
Empowering local communities is the key to building a sustainable and environmentally friendly IKN. And through concrete steps, including consultation with stakeholders, it is hoped that IKN can become an example of sustainable development by empowering local communities in an inclusive manner.
