Appreciation of 100 Days of Prabowo-Gibran Government Affirms Sustainability of IKN Development

By Dita Aulia Rahmah )*

During the 100 days after their inauguration, the Prabowo-Gibran government has shown its commitment to supporting the sustainability of the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in Kalimantan. With various strategic steps taken by the government, the development of the IKN is projected to create an inclusive business, economic, and financial ecosystem. This is in line with the vision of making the IKN a new center of growth in Indonesia.

One of the main initiatives is the acceleration of the development of a financial center in the IKN. The Head of the Bank Indonesia (BI) Representative Office for East Kalimantan, Budi Widihartanto, fully supports this step as an effort to accelerate the business and financial ecosystem in the region. According to Budi, the acceleration of this development is crucial considering that in 2028, all government activities, both executive, legislative, judiciary, and TNI/Polri, will be officially carried out in the IKN.

The development of this financial center not only functions as a provider of innovative financial products and services, but also as a catalyst for financing functions in the IKN and the surrounding buffer areas. Budi added that this financing function will contribute significantly to economic growth by increasing business and investment activities in the IKN. Thus, the acceleration of the development of economic clusters in the IKN can strengthen the inclusiveness of national development.

The role of banking in the IKN financial ecosystem is an important element. The Head of the IKN Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, stated that the acceleration of the development of banking services is a top priority. Banking service offices are targeted to start operating in the first quarter of 2026 to ensure that the banking service needs of IKN residents are met quickly and efficiently.

In addition, the direction from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, to start government activities in the IKN in 2028 further emphasizes the urgency of providing adequate financial infrastructure. The existence of these banking services will have a positive impact on business actors, investors, and people who migrate to the archipelago. An integrated banking system will also increase efficiency in financial management and facilitate cross-sector transactions.

Not only from within the country, foreign investors’ attention to the development of the IKN is also increasing. Deputy for Funding and Investment of the IKN Authority, Agung Wicaksono, said that his party had received many letters of intent (LoI) from prospective investors, including from Europe. One example is Finland, which has sent four LoIs, one of which has even been followed up with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This investment potential shows that the IKN is not only attracting national attention, but is also a magnet for international investors. With the presence of foreign investors, the IKN can utilize the technology, experience, and innovation they offer to support the development of smart cities.

The Finnish Ambassador to Indonesia, Pekka Kaihilahti, conveyed his country’s commitment to supporting the development of the IKN as a smart city. Finland has the best expertise and experience in this field, and this collaboration is expected to create innovative and sustainable solutions for the IKN.

The development of the IKN is projected to have a multiplier effect on the Indonesian economy. With the increasing economic activity in this region, other sectors such as construction, logistics, trade, and services will also develop. In addition, the existence of the IKN as a new center of government and financial center will also attract companies to open branches or head offices in this area.

The domino effect of the development of the IKN will also be felt by the buffer areas in East Kalimantan. Integrated infrastructure, better transportation access, and qualified digital connectivity will increase regional economic competitiveness. This is in line with the government’s goal of realizing inclusive and equitable development.

For example, the tourism sector also has the potential to experience rapid growth. The existence of the IKN will open up opportunities for the development of new tourist destinations, create jobs, and attract local and international tourists. Thus, the IKN will not only become an economic center, but also a highly attractive destination.