Nusantara Capital Authority ensures IKN development benefits local communities
Penajam Paser Utara — The Nusantara Capital Authority (IKN) is ensuring that the development of Indonesia’s new capital city across portions of North Penajam Paser Regency and Kutai Kartanegara Regency in East Kalimantan Province delivers tangible benefits to local communities.
“IKN development provides real benefits to surrounding communities through an inclusive approach,” said IKN Authority Head Basuki Hadimuljono on Sunday, when asked about the empowerment of communities surrounding Indonesia’s new capital in Sepaku, North Penajam Paser.
The Authority seeks to position surrounding communities not merely as recipients, but as principal drivers of economic growth in the region. Development efforts encompass the entire area, including those within the IKN delineation boundary.
“The potential held by coastal communities also needs to be elevated through strengthened value addition of their products,” he added.
The IKN Authority is undertaking community empowerment and promoting public participation in IKN development, including through strengthening local economic potential in coastal areas. One such initiative involves aquaculture zones in the Tanjung area or Muara Sembilang Village, Samboja District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, part of the IKN delineation area with significant potential for development as an eco-tourism village.
The aquaculture zone could also become a centre for local resource-based food production, such as milkfish, prawns, and seaweed, Hadimuljono explained. Development proceeds in line with economic diversification within the Nusantara Economic Superhub (SEN) framework.
“There are also snack foods produced by local entrepreneurs such as prawn and crab amplang,” he said.
This sector is crucial for ensuring the diversification of the new capital’s economic base proceeds on schedule in accordance with SEN development targets.
Products generated by local communities are planned to evolve beyond simple goods into value-added products that can be utilised for food fortification with micronutrients, vitamins and minerals.
“Food fortification includes protein powder from milkfish and prawns, as well as seaweed-based raw materials for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals,” said Basuki Hadimuljono.