The relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo is moving ahead after a temporary halt due to Covid-19.
The move, known as the Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) project, is part of the Indonesian government’s Vision 2045 to decongest the current capital city, Jakarta while revamping its economic transformation by developing other provinces of the country.
During a recent forum titled ‘Investing in Nusantara Capital City’, Deputy Minister for Regional Development from the Ministry of National Development Planning, Dr Ir. Himawan Hariyoga said that IKN envisions becoming a ‘World Class City for All’.
“This includes the aim of building (the city as) a national identity symbol, (one of the) sustainable cities in the world and Indonesia’s future economic driver.”
IKN will also be in accordance with global and national agendas including Indonesia’s Vision 2045; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); New City Agenda and National Urban Policy 2045.
He shared that the project will build around eight principles and 24 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) namely designing with nature; unity in diversity; connected, active and accessible; net zero emission IKN; circular and resilient; safe and affordable; convenience and efficiency through technology and robust economic opportunity for all.
Nine economic generators are expected through the development areas of IKN which are further categorised in different fields such as new and renewable energy development; nature tourism; international amusement park and sports centre; research and innovation centre; and centre for agro-industry and food industry.
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Regional Development from the Ministry of National Development Planning, Dr Ir. Himawan Hariyoga delivering his remarks. Image: Waqiuddin Rajak
In his presentation, Dr Ir. Himawan added that the basic principles of IKN’s regional development include a Forest City with an integrated landscape approach; a Sponge City with a circular water system combining architecture with sustainable principles and a Smart City with advanced technology and urban data management.
“Additionally, IKN will focus on social strategies and human resources namely the IKN Healthy Cities Framework, 21st Century Education Concept and Job Opportunities focused on the construction sector and development support sectors such as culinary, clothing and other skills.”
Quality housing will be inclusive, smart, collaborative, compact and based on a 10-minute City Concept ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and collaborative spaces, while workspaces will be hybrid, seamless, blended with nature and utilise multi-layered programmes.
“With the development of IKN, comes tri-city collaboration between the new capital city and provinces of Balikpapan and Samarinda,” said the deputy minister.
Dr Ir. Himawan explained that the Heart of the collaboration will be Samarinda as the historical centre of East Kalimantan with a rejuvenated energy sector.
The Nerve Centre will be IKN as the government core and green innovation hub for the region while Balikpapan is the Muscle Base, acting as the petrochemicals and logistics node for East Kalimantan.
As Nusantara’s main developments are slated to be ready by 2024, the Indonesian government is encouraging investors to invest in the new capital.
This comes with a number of potential projects lined up including Transportation; Energy Development; Sustainable Agri Industries; Integrated Pharmaceuticals; Smart City & Digital Hub; 21st Century Education; Advanced Chemical; Inclusive Eco-Tourism & Wellness; Next Gen Renewable Manufacturing and Disruptive Low Carbon Energy.
Following this, Dr Ir. Himawan outlined the nation’s capital master plan in five stages which include developing IKN as a resilient core area, developing the city in a more progressive manner, establishing a tri-city ecosystem to become an economic trigger for East Indonesia and finally, establishing the city as a ‘World City for All’.
The deputy minister hopes the development will continue to run smoothly while inviting investors to venture into potential areas for collaboration.
Rafidah Hamit
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
MEDIA STAR
