De Jong Arrives Directly from the Netherlands to IKN, Makes Unexpected Comment
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Core Government Area (KIPP) of Nusantara was packed with visitors during the long holiday period. Public enthusiasm was evident with 352,102 visitors between 18 and 29 March 2026. Meanwhile, 80,105 vehicles, including motorcycles, private cars, and buses, entered the capital city area.
The high number of visitors reflects public curiosity to see the development of IKN firsthand. Popular spots include the State Palace, National Mosque of IKN, Glass Bridge in the glamping area, Sepaku Semoi Dam, and Taman Kusuma Bangsa.
Many visitors came to enjoy the public facilities and open spaces available in the area. Plaza Seremoni and Plaza Bhinneka served as hubs for community activities, offering diverse culinary options, public interaction areas, and expanding entertainment.
Visitors could also access Sentra Massa, serving as Nusantara’s information hub. The site features a mini-theatre, construction models, a Mini IKN Control Centre, and interactive facilities providing a comprehensive overview of the area’s development.
The glamping area, featuring a glass bridge and MBH reservoir, offers a new experience by combining open spaces with natural landscapes. Through the IKNOW app, visitors can press an emergency button on their devices to request assistance if needed during their visit.
Amid rising visitor numbers, on-site staff faced various service challenges, including assisting lost individuals and missing belongings. Sri Wahyuni, a Security Officer at Joint Office 1, said staff must remain vigilant to serve the public despite unique incidents during visits. ‘Unique moments do occur, such as parents searching for their children or requests to locate lost items,’ she said.
Visitor enthusiasm was reflected in feedback from both domestic and international tourists. Dutch tourist Michael De Jong praised Nusantara’s development concept blending modernity with environmental sustainability. ‘Beautiful, clean architecture, pleasant for walking. It’s remarkable that a city is being built in the middle of the forest with such a modern concept. I hope the Indonesian government continues to protect this beautiful forest and coexist with nature,’ he said. His wife, Anke De Jong, enthusiastically endorsed IKN as a must-visit destination. ‘This city must be seen. If you’re in Kalimantan, you must make time to visit Nusantara—it’s truly unique,’ she added.
Amid Kalimantan’s dense forests, Nusantara is a modern city built inclusively for all. First-time visitor Sopiansah from North Kalimantan shared his experience: ‘This is our first time at IKN. The journey was long, but thankfully smooth, especially via the toll road. The trip was pleasant. IKN is incredibly beautiful. As locals in Kalimantan, we’re grateful it’s never quiet—visitors from all regions are bustling here.’
Meanwhile, Nusantara’s development continues with ongoing infrastructure projects, including markets, educational facilities, and higher education institutions such as Gunadarma University and Taruna Nusantara School, as part of strengthening the area’s ecosystem.
Closing the visit series, Troy Pantouw, Special Staff for Public Communication of the IKN Authority and IKN Authority Spokesperson, thanked all parties for supporting visitor services during the long holiday. ‘We appreciate everyone’s role in ensuring smooth visitor services to Nusantara. Special thanks to journalists, media, and content creators from various cities and countries for accurate and up-to-date coverage of IKN. Seeing is believing—visitors can witness firsthand the capital’s development, not just buildings but the evolving ecosystem,’ he said.