IKN Authority Introduces Local Culture to Visitors

Penajam Paser Utara - The Nusantara Capital Authority (IKN) is introducing local culture to visitors at the Central Government Core Area (KIPP) of IKN, Indonesia’s new capital in Sepaku sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara regency, East Kalimantan province. “Cultural and entertainment displays are part of efforts to create a more lively atmosphere for visitors to KIPP IKN,” said Head of Public Communication and Spokesperson for the IKN Authority, Troy Pantouw, when asked about public visits to IKN in Sepaku, Penajam Paser Utara, on Monday. These displays also serve to introduce local culture to visitors to KIPP IKN, he added. Performers from the Serumpun Lima Kota Balikpapan Art Studio appeared in hudoq costumes, representing mythological creatures from the Dayak Bahau and Dayak Modang tribes, as well as garuda costumes symbolising the nation; the cultural and entertainment displays bring vibrant colours to the public spaces of IKN. Contemporary music was infused with the plucking of the sape, a traditional instrument from East Kalimantan, as modern and traditional Kalimantan arts fused in the Simfoni Swara Nusantara. Arts and culture produced within the community form part of activations to enrich the visitor experience, he explained; visitors can observe the development of the IKN area and interact directly with diverse expressions of Nusantara culture on display. One way to welcome people from various backgrounds and regions to the IKN area is by reintroducing the richness of arts and culture from the land of Nusantara, said Troy Pantouw; public spaces in the IKN area are filled with activities that foster interaction between development and community life. Now, the IKN area feels busier and more festive with these cultural and entertainment displays, said one visitor from Balikpapan, Eko Supriono, adding that besides seeing the progress of IKN’s development, one can also get to know traditional arts and Nusantara culture. According to several visitors, the presence of these cultural and entertainment displays creates a different atmosphere compared to before. “Now with these displays, the atmosphere is more lively, even reaching the palace area; it’s already like a big city,” said Eko Supriono, who has visited IKN twice. “The cultural and entertainment displays not only offer visitors the experience of seeing development but also entertainment that complements the atmosphere,” said another visitor, Hambali, a resident of Babulu sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara regency.