Local Communities Lead Nusantara Eco-Tourism

RRI.CO.ID, Nusantara - Indonesia continues to highlight its people-centered and sustainable development approach through the Nusantara Capital Authority’s certification of local eco-tourism guides. The initiative empowers local communities as key drivers in developing Indonesia’s new capital.

​The certification program, held at the Multifunction Hall of Joint Office Building 3 in the Nusantara Central Government Core Area (KIPP), from 3 to 5 February 2026, involved 20 local participants. The initiative reflects Indonesia’s commitment to inclusive growth, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.

Organized by Nusantara Capital Authority (IKN) in collaboration with the Bank Indonesia Joint Office Secretariat and the Tourism Professional Certification Institute Jana Dharma Indonesia, the program provided both theoretical training and hands-on guiding practice. Participants included members of the Indigenous Forest Tourism Awareness Group of Balik Sepaku and eco-tourism guides fostered by Nusantara Capital Authority.

Director of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy of Nusantara Capital Authority, Muhsin Palinrungi, underscored that Nusantara’s development extend beyond infrastructure.

“This certification is far more than symbolic. It ensures that local communities are equipped with professional skills to actively participate in tourism development, particularly eco-tourism, which is closely linked to environmental preservation and cultural identity,” he said.

The certification, valid for three years, meetd Indonesia’s national tourism standards. According to Director of Jana Dharma Indonesia, Hairullah Gazali, professional certification is a legal and ethical requirement for tourism guides, especially in environmentally sensitive destinations.

“This is about competence and responsibility. Eco-tourism requires continuous learning and respect for nature, culture, and visitors alike,” Gazali noted.

The program supports emerging eco-tourism destinations around Nusantara, including Gunung Parung, Tembinus Waterfall, and the KIPP area itself. These destinations showcase Indonesia’s biodiversity and the integration of modern urban planning with natural landscapes.

Additionally, Deputy Head of the Bank Indonesia Joint Office Secretariat, Dhony Iwan Kristanto, praised Nusantara’s urban design and strong public interest. He highlighted that more than 270,000 visitors came to the new capital during the recent holiday season, reflecting growing global and domestic curiosity.

Through this initiative, Indonesia sends a clear message to the international community: Nusantara is being built not only as a smart and green city, but also as a space where local people are central actors driving sustainable tourism, preserving heritage, and contributing to long-term economic resilience.