TIMES MALANG, SAMARINDA – The development of the National Capital City (IKN) of Nusantara continues with the spirit to realize the principles of justice and sustainability. The government has affirmed its commitment to actively engage the community, especially in land management, through fair and inclusive policies.

One of the important steps in this case is the issuance of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 75 of 2024, which paves the way for a fairer land price assessment through Public Valuation Services Consultants (KJPP).

The Acting Deputy Head of the IKN Authority, Raja Juli Antoni, emphasized that this Presidential Regulation regulates a new, fairer mechanism, in contrast to the previous approach which often caused dissatisfaction.

"The community can also be involved in the development of IKN, including with the issuance of Presidential Regulation 75/2024. There is a clause that tries to find a way related to land issues that is the most just," said Raja Juli to TIMES Indonesia, Friday (9/8/24).

In an effort to accelerate land settlement, the government has formed a special task force that has started working by holding its first meeting. This is expected to accelerate the land settlement process which is one of the biggest challenges in the development of IKN.

Autonomous Rail Transit (ART), an autonomous public vehicle designed to support mobility in the IKN. (Foto: AXL/TIMES Indonesia)

In addition, the government is also preparing a mechanism for releasing forest areas to allow the expansion of the IKN area. This step was taken into account the aspect of justice, especially for the development of public housing in the area. Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that this process will run by paying attention to the interests of the local community.

Reforesting Land

In response to public concerns about the environmental impact of the development of the IKN, the government explained that this development is not just an urban expansion that damages the environment. On the contrary, the IKN is built on land that has previously been used as an Industrial Plantation Forest (HTI) for oil palm plantations and mines. Raja Juli confirmed that only 30-40% of the area will be used for infrastructure, while the rest will be rehabilitated into rainforests and jungles.

"Many people think that building this IKN cuts down forests, even though this is an HTI area, namely monoculture industrial plantation forests. We are here to reforest, so that only 30-40% of the area will be used as buildings. We will turn the rest into rainforests and jungles," he explained.

The government is committed to restoring areas that have been degraded, especially in the 6,000-hectare Central Government Core (KIPP) area. This area has previously been used for oil palm plantations and mines, but will now be reforested as part of efforts to create a sustainable environment in the IKN.

"Instead, we came to repair and regreen this area," he added.

Sustainable Transportation Innovation: Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) Trial

In addition to physical and environmental development, IKN Nusantara will also be a witness to the application of sustainable future transportation technology. One of the innovations that will be tested is Autonomous Rail Transit (ART), an autonomous public vehicle designed to support mobility in the IKN. This trial is scheduled to take place on August 10, 2024, ahead of the celebration of the 79th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.

This ART vehicle is operated by following a dotted white line on a pre-prepared path, a feature that allows the vehicle to operate without a driver. Even so, for the initial stage of implementation, this vehicle will still be equipped with a driver to ensure smooth operations.

On the other hand, ART offers advantages in terms of cost efficiency and energy use, as it does not require special rails and uses electricity as its energy source. With ART, the government hopes to introduce modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transportation in IKN Nusantara.

With various efforts made, from equitable infrastructure development to sustainable transportation innovation, IKN Nusantara is moving towards a vision as the future capital of Indonesia. The development carried out does not only focus on the physical aspect, but also on community involvement and environmental protection. (*)