By: Silvia AP )*
The development of the National Capital City (IKN) of the Archipelago has become a topic that has received widespread attention in Indonesia, not only as a promising large infrastructure project, but also as a controversial subject that is prone to the spread of hoaxes. Hoaxes or false information have become a serious threat to the progress of this project, slowing down the development process, influencing public opinion, and creating potentially detrimental uncertainty.
The development of IKN Nusantara aims to reduce the burden on Jakarta as the center of government. This project is expected to improve infrastructure, provide new economic opportunities, and expand access to wider areas in eastern Indonesia. However, behind this grand vision, there are challenges that are complex and often misunderstood by the public. The development of IKN is directly proportional to the spread of hoax news about the new capital.
Hoax is information spread with the aim of misleading or manipulating public opinion. In the context of IKN Nusantara development, hoaxes can appear in various forms, ranging from claims that this project is not ecologically sustainable, to accusations that the allocation of project funds is not transparent. The impact of spreading hoaxes can be very detrimental, not only for the project itself but also for society and the economy as a whole.
Fake news and misleading information regarding IKN continues to circulate, including the latest claim stating that there was a discovery of a gas well similar to the Lapindo case in the IKN area. However, a thorough investigation has confirmed that the news is baseless and completely untrue. This was confirmed by the Deputy for Social, Cultural and Community Empowerment at the Nusantara Capital Authority, Alimuddin in an official statement. Alimuddin conveyed this clarification while chairing a coordination meeting between the IKN Authority and the Culture, Tourism and Youth Sports Department of East Kalimantan Province (Kaltim), which was also attended by representatives from various cities/regencies throughout East Kalimantan.
Alimuddin emphasized that although there are sometimes misunderstandings or misinformation, reports of significant rejection or resistance to certain policies are actually unfounded. However, because the news is broadcast through the media, this information spreads quickly and widely, reaching a larger audience and causing an inaccurate impression of the actual situation. This shows the importance of verifying news and information before sharing it, so as not to give rise to wrong or misleading perceptions in the community.
To understand the deeper impact of the spread of hoaxes on the development of the Indonesian IKN, we can look at several relevant case studies. For example, hoaxes about excessive environmental impacts can create resistance from local communities and environmental organizations. This can slow down the permitting process and hinder the physical progress of the project. Additionally, hoaxes about misuse of public funds can lead to investigations that consume time and resources that would otherwise be allocated to better infrastructure development.
One of the main tools for spreading hoaxes today is social media. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp allow unverified information to spread quickly among their users. Even without malicious intent, inaccurate information can go viral in a matter of hours, creating distrust and confusion among the public.
Not only is it practically detrimental, the spread of hoaxes can also have serious psychological impacts. People who perceive hoaxes may experience anxiety, distrust of the government, or uncertainty about the future of development projects. This can hinder active participation in the development process and increase social polarization.
Overcoming the spread of hoaxes is not an easy task. Key challenges include quickly identifying hoaxes, providing accurate information to the public, and increasing digital literacy among the public. Effective strategies involve collaboration between government, media, and civil society to build trust and transparency in the project development process.
Meanwhile, the Director of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy of the IKN Authority, Muhsin Palinrungi also said that one of the main objectives of this meeting was to strengthen friendly relations and ensure that partner regions do not feel neglected or abandoned in all activities carried out by the IKN Authority . This is a strategic step to build strong synergy and collaboration, ensuring that IKN development takes place in an inclusive manner, respects the contributions of all parties, and brings broad benefits to society.
The development of the National Capital in the Archipelago offers a great opportunity for Indonesia to overcome infrastructure challenges and expand economic progress. However, the success of this project is highly dependent on the ability to overcome the spread of hoaxes that can disrupt the development process.
With greater awareness of the threat of hoaxes and concrete steps to tackle them, Indonesia can ensure that its grand vision for the country’s future can be realized smoothly and sustainably. Preventive measures and public education need to be improved. In this way, Indonesia can move forward confidently towards sustainable and inclusive development for all its people.
)* The author is from the editorial team of the Student Press Institute (LPM) Ideas
