OIKN reaffirms community-focused vision in new capital Nusantara

“Through an inclusive approach, the IKN development provides concrete benefits to local residents,” Basuki Hadimuljono, head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), said on Sunday when asked about community empowerment programs.

He stressed that the authority is committed to ensuring projects in the new capital serve residents living within the designated development area, which covers parts of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara Districts.

Hadimuljono said the government aims to position local communities as key drivers of regional growth rather than mere bystanders in the transformation process.

“It is also important to assist coastal communities in maximizing their potential by increasing the added value of their products,” said the former public works and public housing minister.

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He cited fish farming activities in Sembilang Village in Kutai Kartanegara, noting the coastal settlement has the potential to evolve into a tourism village as development progresses.

The authority plans to support the village in becoming a center for food commodities derived from local resources such as milkfish, shrimp and seaweed, under the broader Nusantara Economic Superhub (NES) framework.

“Local businesses producing amplang crackers made from shrimp and crab are also part of this ecosystem,” he added.

The strategy, he said, is aimed at diversifying Nusantara’s economy through downstream processing, encouraging residents to move beyond raw materials and produce higher-value goods.

He said food fortification could include protein powder made from milkfish and shrimp, while seaweed-based products could serve as ingredients for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

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Translator: Nyaman Bagus, Tegar Nurfitra