IKN Becomes New Economic Superhub in East Kalimantan

KBRN, Nusantara: Indonesia’s future capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), has entered a new phase of development with the launch of the Tri-City Development Plan (TCDP), a strategic initiative that aims to integrate IKN, Samarinda, and Balikpapan into a single, modern, sustainable, and competitive economic ecosystem.

The TCDP is being developed through a collaboration between the IKN Authority, the National Development Planning Ministry/National Development Planning Agency (ATR Ministry/Bappenas), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The initiative aligns with the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), Presidential Regulation No. 63/2022, and Law No. 3/2022 on IKN.

The East Kalimantan Provincial Administration, along with the city administrations of Balikpapan and Samarinda, is also working closely with the IKN Authority to realize this ambitious vision.

The plan marks the beginning of a three-year joint planning period, from July 2025 to June 2028, to establish a comprehensive framework and roadmap for the development of the three cities.

Mia Amalia, Deputy for Planning and Land Affairs at the IKN Authority, emphasized that the TCDP is more than a planning document. It serves as a guide to enhance existing development programs.

“The approach must adopt regional planning principles, covering infrastructure, environmental, and social aspects. Initial findings can even be used immediately to improve ongoing programs,” Mia said at IKN on Friday, August 15, 2025.

JICA underscored the grand vision of establishing a Greater Tri-City Development Ecosystem, focusing on sustainable development, interconnected communities, and environmentally friendly urban planning.

“This vision will guide strategic steps toward a more advanced city ecosystem,” said Yasuo Kanami, Team Leader for Regional and Economic Development at JICA.

Once realized, the TCDP is expected to transform IKN, Samarinda, and Balikpapan into a new economic superhub in East Kalimantan.

The synergy is projected to attract global investment, improve residents’ quality of life, and strengthen East Kalimantan’s role as a new growth center for Indonesia. ***

Translator MIsni Parjiati

Editor: Lasti Martina