PHDI and Prajaniti Hindu Discuss House of Worship Construction with IKN Authority

Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) and Prajaniti Hindu Indonesia held an audience with the Head of the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN), Basuki Hadimuljono, at the OIKN office in East Kalimantan, with discussions focusing on the construction of a place of worship. “The purpose of our visit was regarding the IKN Pura, then to extend an invitation to Mr Basuki Hadimuljono to receive the Prajaniti Award, as well as a request for a location for education in the IKN area,” said Prajaniti Hindu Indonesia Chairman KS Arsana in a statement in Jakarta on Friday. The audience was a follow-up to a previous meeting between PHDI and Prajaniti representatives with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in Jakarta.

Head of OIKN Basuki Hadimuljono was accompanied by OIKN officials Bima Adi Nursanthyasto, Aswin Grandiarti, and IGA Krisna Murti. The PHDI delegation included elements from its three assemblies: Sabha Pandita, Sabha Walaka, and the Daily Board. Prajaniti was led by Chairman KS Arsana along with central and regional officials. Chairman of Sabha Walaka PHDI, I Nengah Dana, explained that PHDI has been actively involved in the planning process for the IKN Pura from the initial stages, including providing input to the jury for the temple design competition and discussions regarding the placement of the house of worship. “PHDI has been a government partner for 67 years, and in the context of the IKN Pura development, we have been active since the early planning stages,” he said.

On that occasion, Dharma Adhyaksa PHDI Ida Pedanda Nabe Gede Bang Buruan Manuaba expressed appreciation to the government for its attention to the needs of the Hindu community in IKN. He also emphasised the importance of continuous coordination between OIKN, the Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and PHDI during the temple construction process. “In the Ramayana Kakawin, it is conveyed that the government and clergy must complement each other for the welfare of society,” he stated. Responding to this, OIKN Head Basuki Hadimuljono expressed his appreciation for the visit and support from PHDI and Prajaniti towards the development of IKN. “I greatly respect culture, tradition, and religion. We will certainly always coordinate with the Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance as conveyed by Ida Dharma Adhyaksa,” said Basuki. He also stated that he would follow up on the proposal regarding the provision of land for educational facilities raised during the meeting.

For PHDI and Prajaniti, the construction of the IKN Pura not only fulfils the need for a Hindu worship facility but also holds historical significance, considering that East Kalimantan, particularly the Kutai region, is an area with a long trace of Hindu civilisation in the archipelago. Beyond discussing the construction of the place of worship, the audience also served as a momentum to strengthen synergy between Hindu community organisations and the government in supporting the development of IKN as an inclusive capital that reflects Indonesia’s diversity. The meeting concluded with the presentation of a souvenir, the book ‘Lawar Leadership’, to the Head of OIKN. Following the audience, the PHDI and Prajaniti delegation had the opportunity to tour the Presidential Palace area in IKN.