Wanagama Nusantara in IKN Proof of President Jokowi’s Commitment to Preserving the Environment
By: Dani Ramdan )*
President Joko Widodo officially launched the Wanagama Nusantara forest to support the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN), in the Rimba City Zone B of the Core Government Center Area (KIPP), IKN. The launch of Wanagama Nusantara is a real manifestation of the government’s commitment to preserving the environment, by prioritizing tree planting and restoration of damaged land. Through this program, President Jokowi not only pays attention to the economic aspect but also the sustainability of the ecosystem in IKN. The launch of Wanagama Nusantara also serves as a model for green initiatives throughout Indonesia, uniting the efforts of the community and government in combating climate change and environmental damage.
President Jokowi has prioritized the environment as one of his priorities in various policies. The launch of Wanagama Nusantara in IKN is one real proof of this commitment. Through this launch, the focus is not only on infrastructure development and economic development alone, but also ensures that every step of development is carried out by considering the impact on the environment.
In his speeches, President Jokowi often emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between development and environmental preservation. Wanagama Nusantara is a concrete example of how this principle is applied in practice. With the integration of IKN development and ecosystem restoration efforts, this launch shows that progress and environmental preservation can run in balance.
The concept of Wanagama Nusantara is for tropical rainforest restoration to be realized. In addition, infrastructure development for the development of research hubs in the development of superior research in the field of tropical sustainability also needs to be carried out. The concept of Wanagama Nusantara is also important as a model for tropical rainforest restoration in IKN. Wanagama Nusantara does not only focus on planting trees, but must also include the development of infrastructure for research hubs. This research hub is expected to support superior research in the field of tropical sustainability. With adequate research facilities, it is expected to increase understanding and innovation related to environmental sustainability, as well as encourage practical solutions to the ecological challenges faced.
The launch of Wanagama Nusantara not only provides ecological but also social benefits. Ecologically, tree planting and land rehabilitation will help reduce soil erosion, improve soil quality, and increase groundwater storage capacity which is very important to prevent natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
In addition, the establishment of Wanagama Nusantara is part of a broader strategy to deal with climate change. Climate change will have a broad impact on all aspects of life in each country, including Indonesia. However, the government continues to make efforts to provide the best service to the community. This is what must be understood by all parties, so that they do not continue to see from “horse blinders” as if the state does not think about the impact of climate change and the environmental impact in every development that is being and will be implemented.
With the existence of Wanagama Nusantara, it is hoped that it can reduce the carbon footprint of the development of the IKN and contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change. Then planting trees in the IKN area is expected to absorb carbon dioxide, reduce the negative impact of greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality in the area.
Rector of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K).,Ph.D., said that the launch of Wanagama Nusantara focuses on the development of educational forests and cross-disciplinary research. This forest is located in the core area of the Indonesian Capital City Government Center (IKN) with an area of 621 hectares. Ova Emilia hopes that Wanagama Nusantara will support the vision of IKN as a Forest City, which is one of President Jokowi’s priorities in accordance with the mandate of Article 22 of Law No. 3 of 2022. In addition, the existence of Wanagama Nusantara is certainly part of UGM’s commitment to supporting the development of IKN as a sustainable city.
