Supporting IKN Food Security, BRIN Proposes Building Agro Techno Park on Former Mining Land

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is encouraging the development of an Agro Techno Park (ATP) pilot area on former mining land in East Kalimantan to support food security for the Nusantara Capital City (IKN).

The Head of BRIN’s Livestock Research Centre, Santoso, explained that the initiative is not merely about proving that livestock can survive, but aims to identify the most suitable integrated farming model.

“We do not want to simply prove that livestock can be raised on former mining land. What is more important is determining which model is appropriate,” he stated during an online discussion held in Jakarta on Thursday.

Santoso noted that the agency is paying close attention to concerns regarding the nutritional needs of the local community, given that food production in the East Kalimantan region is currently considered very insufficient.

“With the upcoming establishment of IKN, it would be highly beneficial if we could utilise former mining land,” he added.

Sindu further noted that the construction of the ATP pilot area on former mining land will implement a circular bioeconomy concept, integrating the livestock, fisheries, horticulture, and food crop sectors.

According to him, one of the extraordinary potentials of such land is the utilisation of coal mine voids, where the water is very clear and can be used for aquaculture, such as catfish farming.

Through positive collaboration between BRIN, local governments, and mining companies, Sindu hopes this area can become a biological engine driving national food independence, particularly in supporting the future requirements of the IKN region.