IKN Authority Invites Visitors to Leave Green Footprints by Planting 150 Saplings

RRI.CO.ID, Penajam Paser Utara - The Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority has invited visitors to leave a positive environmental mark by participating in a tree-planting initiative in East Kalimantan. The program invites travelers to plant 150 saplings in the Tropical Rainforest Miniature (MHHT) area in Sepaku Subdistrict, Penajam Paser Utara, during the extended holiday weekend.

The initiative is part of an ongoing strategy to restore and strengthen the local ecosystem as the new capital transitions into a sustainable, nature-integrated urban environment.

“During the holiday period of May 15-17, 2026, a tree-planting activity is being held in the MHHT area,” said the IKN Authority's Deputy for Environment and Natural Resources, Myrna Asnawati Safitri, in Sepaku on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The program aims to shift the public perception of the new capital from a traditional sightseeing destination to an active, community-driven conservation site. By opening up specific areas for public participation, the IKN Authority hopes to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among individuals, families, and visiting groups.

According to Safitri, the selection of flora for the project heavily favors native species to ensure authentic ecological restoration. “A total of 150 plant saplings prepared for the tree-planting activity are mostly endemic species of Kalimantan,” she added.

The specific varieties available for visitors to plant include balangeran (Shorea balangeran) and kapur (Dryobalanops aromatica). Additionally, the selection features trees from the tengkawang (Dipterocarpus family) and meranti (Shorea genera). To further enrich the local ecosystem, saplings of the nyatoh (Palaquium) tree are also provided for the reforestation initiative.

Safitri emphasized that engaging the public in these hands-on planting activities is a crucial step toward building a shared environmental consciousness, ensuring that citizens play a direct role in fulfilling IKN’s ultimate vision of becoming a sustainable forest city. ***