Travel Surge to Borneo: The Scene on Thamrin Street, HI Roundabout, Jakarta

The scene on Thamrin Street, HI Roundabout, Jakarta. Jakarta is pretty quiet, not as congested as usual, because many government officials are at IKN for Indonesia's Independence Day celebration on August 17, 2024.

“The streets are clear, not like usual,” said Lesmono, the taxi driver who took me from Kelapa Gading to Tangerang. 

This sudden change was due to the fact that all the top officials, from the president and cabinet ministers to coalition party leaders, had gathered in the new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), in Kalimantan to celebrate Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17

The impact of relocating the capital is already being felt 

The shift to the new capital is more than just a celebration; it marks the beginning of a massive transformation in Indonesia. 

This move is part of President Joko Widodo’s long-term vision to address the overpopulation and environmental issues plaguing Java.

 “This is a strategic step for our country’s future,” President Jokowi stated. His vision reflects a forward-thinking approach, aiming to solve today’s problems while preparing Indonesia for a sustainable future over the next 100 to 500 years.

The impact of relocating the capital is already being felt in various sectors, especially travel and tourism. Arbain Rambey, a prominent Indonesian photographer, shared his experience with the soaring travel costs. 

“Not long ago, I went to Balikpapan for work. The ticket prices were outrageous. Round trip, it cost me 16 million rupiah,” he said. 

The spike in ticket prices and fully booked flights from Jakarta to Balikpapan and Samarinda highlight the high demand for travel to Kalimantan, driven by the new capital city developments.

While the travel and tourism sectors are reaping the rewards of this surge in demand, the move brings broader implications. 

Travel agencies and accommodations in Balikpapan and Samarinda are seeing a boom in bookings, creating new business opportunities and boosting local revenue. This is a direct consequence of the major transition underway. However, beneath the excitement and economic benefits, there is a darker side to this monumental change that needs addressing.

Cornelis: Dayak people are not displaced or harmed by the new capital

The Dayak people, the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo, face significant challenges. With the relocation of the capital and increased development activity in Kalimantan, there are concerns about the impact on local communities. 

Cornelis warned, “We must ensure that the Dayak people are not displaced or harmed by the new capital!"

Cornelis, a member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives from the II Commission representing West Kalimantan, has voiced deep concerns about this issue. 

During a meeting with the IKN authority managers, Cornelis warned, “We must ensure that the Dayak people are not displaced or harmed by the new capital!” 

His emphasis on protecting indigenous land and rights amidst the wave of development underscores the importance of ensuring that local communities are not sidelined in the process of change.

Cornelis’s concerns highlight a critical aspect of the capital move: balancing progress with fairness. 

As Indonesia embarks on this new chapter with IKN, it is crucial that the benefits of this significant shift are equitably shared with all layers of society, including those who have traditionally called this land home. 

The move to IKN is not just an administrative or economic adjustment; it is a profound social change that demands careful consideration and action to ensure that development does not come at the expense of those who have long been part of the land’s heritage.

-- Rangkaya Bada