IKN and Hasanuddin University Forge Green City Collaboration

RRI.CO.ID, Nusantara - The Otorita Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) hosted a strategic scholarly delegation from Hasanuddin University on Monday, 13 April 2026, to discuss sustainable urbanism. This collaboration links government policy with academic research in building Indonesia's future capital.

The visiting scholars focused on the practical implementation of the "Sponge City" and "Forest City" concepts. These innovative frameworks are designed to integrate urban development with natural water management and reforestation.

IKN’s Director of Macro Planning, Pungky Widiaryanto, emphasized that this meeting functions as a key platform for knowledge sharing. “This meeting is not only a means of sharing knowledge but also a space to learn together in developing sponge city and forest city implementations," Pungky noted.

Representing the academic sector, Dr. Eng. Ihsan from Hasanuddin University stated that these real-world insights would be integrated into their university curriculum. “Learning today will be integrated into the curriculum, as this visit is a mandate from the Association of Indonesian Planning Schools (ASPI) to deepen urban planning studies," he stated.

Detailed presentations outlined how IKN’s spatial planning prioritizes protected areas and biodiversity conservation. The discussions involved various directors to ensure a comprehensive approach to forestry, water resources, and basic services.

The delegates also reviewed strategies to integrate the new capital with the neighboring cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda. This regional synergy is intended to strengthen the economic and industrial ecosystem of East Kalimantan.

Following the formal sessions, the academic team conducted field inspections to witness the physical progress of these sustainable designs. Such partnerships showcase Indonesia's commitment to transparent, science-based urban development to the global community.

The synergy between the state and academia ensures that IKN remains a model for sustainable innovation. This collaborative model reflects Indonesia’s diplomatic effort to promote green governance on the world stage.