Nusantara Becomes Major Holiday Hub as Over 350,000 Visit Indonesia’s New Capital

RRI.CO.ID, Nusantara - The New Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan has officially transitioned from a massive construction site to a premier national landmark, welcoming 352,102 visitors during the recent Eid al-Fitr holiday period.

Between March 18 and March 29, 2026, a surge of public interest brought 80,105 vehicles, ranging from motorcycles and cars to tour buses, into the Central Government Core Area (KIPP), signaling the capital's growing status as a centerpiece of Indonesian pride and tourism.

While the city remains a work in progress, the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) ensured that public services remained optimal despite the unprecedented influx of travelers. The enthusiasm reflects a significant shift in how the public perceives the project, moving from curiosity about infrastructure to active engagement with the city's emerging social and cultural spaces.

"During the visit period, the State Palace and the National Mosque areas were the most crowded spots for visitors in the KIPP Nusantara," said , Special Staff Head of the OIKN for Public Communication and OIKN Spokesperson, Troy Pantouw on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Beyond the official landmarks, visitors gravitated toward the more experiential elements of the "forest city" design. The glass bridge at the Glamping area, the Sepaku Semoi Dam, and the Kusuma Bangsa Park received high praise for blending modern engineering with the natural landscape.

The Glamping area and the MBH Retention Basin, in particular, offered a new type of tourism experience through open spaces integrated with the surrounding greenery.

"The Ceremony Plaza and Bhinneka Plaza became centers of community activity, supported by various culinary facilities, public interaction spaces, and growing entertainment and social offerings," Pantouw added.

Educational tourism also took center stage at the Sentra Massa, which served as the city's primary information hub. Thousands of citizens explored interactive facilities, including a mini-theater, construction mock-ups, and the IKN Mini Control Center, providing a comprehensive look at the capital's long-term evolution.

The successful management of the holiday rush was attributed to the Public Visit Service Team, led by OIKN Secretary Bimo Adi Nursanthyasto and Deputy for Development Control Thomas Umbu Pati Tena Bolodadi.

The Authority expressed deep gratitude to the diverse coalition that secured the area, including the Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police, and local officials from Sepaku and Penajam Paser Utara, alongside health workers and dedicated tour guides who maintained safety and comfort throughout the KIPP. ***