Nusantara to Host Borneo Economic Forum 2027
Nusantara, Kabar SDGs – Indonesia’s Capital City Authority (IKN) has been named host of the Borneo Economic Forum 2027. The appointment creates an opportunity for Nusantara to become a meeting place for businesspeople and policymakers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam to discuss investment and strengthen cross-border economic cooperation on the island of Borneo.
The announcement was made during the closing events of the Borneo Economic Forum 2026, themed “Shaping the Future of Borneo”, held at the Hilton Hotel in Kuching on Wednesday (7 October 2026).
The 2027 forum will be the third edition of the regional economic gathering, following events in 2023 and 2026. It brings together businesses, policymakers and other stakeholders to explore opportunities in trade, investment, connectivity and economic development across Borneo.
IKN Authority Head Basuki Hadimuljono said development of Nusantara had entered its second phase. Development of the area was focused not only on establishing a government centre but also on creating a new economic ecosystem in East Kalimantan.
Nusantara’s location between Balikpapan and Samarinda was seen as one factor supporting the development of a new centre of economic growth. The city is expected to open up long-term investment opportunities while stimulating economic activity in surrounding areas.
“Nusantara is being developed not only as a seat of government, but also to open up opportunities for investment and long-term economic growth,” Basuki said.
Naming IKN as host of the Borneo Economic Forum 2027 offers an opportunity to introduce the progress of Nusantara’s development to businesses and stakeholders across the region.
The participation of delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia—particularly Sabah and Sarawak—and Brunei Darussalam is expected to encourage further discussion of investment opportunities and concrete forms of economic cooperation.
Alongside trade and investment, connectivity between regions is a key issue in Borneo’s economic development. Cross-regional cooperation could broaden market access, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and create new opportunities for businesses.
In this context, IKN is projected to become part of East Kalimantan’s economic growth ecosystem. Infrastructure and urban development in Nusantara are expected to help attract investors and strengthen economic ties with other parts of Borneo.
However, realising these opportunities will depend on follow-up to the forum’s outcomes, the readiness of investment projects and the involvement of businesses from participating countries.
Basuki also invited the leaders, businesspeople and institutional representatives attending the forum to visit IKN in person. The visit is expected to give them an overview of Nusantara’s development and create space for dialogue between prospective partners and the IKN Authority on opportunities for cooperation.
“The progress achieved so far lays the foundation for the next phase, and there is much more to accomplish. I invite the leaders, businesspeople and institutional representatives here today to visit Nusantara, engage with our team and explore opportunities for cooperation,” Basuki said.
Through the Borneo Economic Forum 2027, Nusantara is expected to provide a forum for dialogue on practical steps to expand trade, increase investment and strengthen regional connectivity. The appointment also places IKN on the agenda for economic cooperation across Borneo.