JakartaPost-Aug 1, 2023
The Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority has revealed its vision for ecotourism in the new city, embracing a sustainable urban forest concept. IKN Authority head Bambang Susantono assured media representatives in a briefing with the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry on Monday that the green space covering 65 percent of the capital area of 256,000 hectares would not be reduced and that tourism would not damage the local ecosystem. Instead, the focus would be on innovative development aimed at establishing Nusantara as a distinctive tourist destination, he said, proposing “Indonesia X” as a brand for the tourism program. The IKN Authority explained that the 65 percent of IKN declared as green space would be “restored” to its lush forest state reminiscent of the 1970s to 1980s, so that people could coexist with flora and fauna, making the land a captivating tourist attraction for people from around the country, true to its name Nusantara. Bambang mentioned trekking, exploring the forest and checking out the mangroves as possible activities for visitors to the new city. The initiatives, he continued, would be connected with other tourist activities in East Kalimantan, incorporating visits to the Dayak Penyah cultural village, tourist spots in Tenggarong, marine tourism on Derawan Island and a journey to the nation’s capital, which could be accessed via the newly constructed toll road to Samarinda. On the same occasion, Nusantara undersecretary for social, cultural and community empowerment Alimuddin announced on Monday the availability of 17 cabins to accommodate travelers, along with the opportunity to explore the mangrove forests as part of the region’s diverse tourist destinations. Read more at: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2023/03/22/fears-for-orangutans-dolphins-as-jakarta-presses-on-with-new-capital.html
