Wanagama Nusantara at IKN Proof of President Jokowi’s Commitment to Preserving the Environment
By: Dani Ramdan)*
President Joko Widodo officially launched the Wanagama Nusantara forest to support the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN), in the City Forest Zone B of the Core Government Center Area (KIPP), IKN. The launch of Wanagama Nusantara is a real manifestation of the government’s commitment to preserving the environment, by prioritizing tree planting and restoration of damaged land. Through this program, President Jokowi not only pays attention to the economic aspect but also the sustainability of the ecosystem in the IKN. The launch of Wanagama Nusantara also serves as a model for green initiatives throughout Indonesia, uniting community and government efforts in combating climate change and environmental damage.
President Jokowi has prioritized the environment as one of his priorities in various policies. The launch of Wanagama Nusantara in the IKN is one of the real proofs of this commitment. Through this launch, the focus is not only on infrastructure development and economic development alone, but also ensuring that every step of development is carried out by considering the impact on the environment.
In his speeches, President Jokowi often emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between development and environmental preservation. Wanagama Nusantara is a concrete example of how this principle is applied in practice. With the integration of IKN development and ecosystem restoration efforts, this launch shows that progress and environmental preservation can run in balance.
The concept of Wanagama Nusantara is for tropical rainforest restoration to be realized. In addition, infrastructure development for the development of research hubs in the development of superior research in the field of tropical sustainability also needs to be carried out. The concept of Wanagama Nusantara is also important as a model for tropical rainforest restoration in the IKN. Wanagama Nusantara does not only focus on planting trees, but must also include infrastructure development for research hubs . This research hub is expected to support superior research in the field of tropical sustainability. With adequate research facilities, it is expected to increase understanding and innovation related to environmental sustainability, as well as encourage practical solutions to the ecological challenges faced.
The launch of Wanagama Nusantara not only provides ecological but also social benefits. Ecologically, tree planting and land rehabilitation will help reduce soil erosion, improve soil quality, and increase groundwater storage capacity which is very important to prevent natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
In addition, the formation of Wanagama Nusantara is part of a broader strategy to deal with climate change. Climate change will have a broad impact on all aspects of life in every country, including Indonesia. However, the government continues to make efforts to provide the best service to the community. This is what must be understood by all parties, so that they do not continue to see from “horse blinders” as if the state does not think about the impact of climate change and the environmental impact in every development that is being and will be implemented.
With the presence of Wanagama Nusantara, it is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of the development of the IKN and contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change. Then planting trees in the IKN area is expected to absorb carbon dioxide, reduce the negative impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality in the area.
Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K).,Ph.D., said that the launch of Wanagama Nusantara focuses on the development of educational forests and cross-disciplinary research. This forest is located in the core area of the Capital City Government Center of the Archipelago (IKN) with an area of 621 hectares. Ova Emilia hopes that Wanagama Nusantara will support the vision of IKN as a Forest City, which is one of President Jokowi’s priorities in accordance with the mandate of Article 22 of Law No. 3 of 2022. In addition, the existence of Wanagama Nusantara is certainly part of UGM’s commitment to supporting the development of IKN as a sustainable city.
From a social perspective, the launch of Wanagama Nusantara can open up job opportunities for local communities and involve them in environmental activities. Community participation in tree planting and ecosystem maintenance helps create awareness and responsibility for the environment. In addition, Wanagama Nusantara has the potential to become a center for environmental education and ecotourism, providing long-term positive impacts for the surrounding community.
Climate change is a global challenge that requires real action from all sectors. Wanagama Nusantara plays an important role in mitigating climate change through carbon dioxide absorption. The trees planted will absorb CO2 , the main greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. By increasing the area of forest and vegetation, Wanagama Nusantara helps reduce the carbon footprint and supports Indonesia’s efforts to meet the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, the ecosystem restoration carried out in this launch also helps increase climate resilience by repairing damaged ecosystem functions, including forest restoration that can act as a buffer against extreme weather, such as heavy rain and drought.
Wanagama Nusantara in the IKN is proof of President Jokowi’s commitment to preserving the environment while advancing development. The launch of Wanagama Nusantara reflects the integration of environmental conservation efforts and infrastructure development, showing that the two do not have to be at odds. Through tree planting, land rehabilitation, and ecosystem restoration, Wanagama Nusantara contributes to climate change mitigation and improves the quality of life of the community. With continued support, this project can be a successful example in creating a greener and more sustainable future for Indonesia.
)* The author is an environmental observer
