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Forest City Research Consortium Engages in Constructive Dialogue with East Kalimantan Provincial Government on Nusantara Capital City Development
On Thursday, August 10, 2023, the Forest City Research Consortium, led by Dr. Kei Otsuki, Chair of International Development Studies at Utrecht University, had the privilege of attending an audience at the East Kalimantan Governor’s Office. The meeting was a significant opportunity for us to engage in meaningful dialogue about the ongoing development of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan.
The audience was opened by the Regional Secretary of East Kalimantan Province, Dra. Sri Wahyuni, M.PP, who was accompanied by Dr. M. Ir. H. Fitriansyah, S.T., M.M., as the Head of the Regional Research and Innovation Agency of East Kalimantan Province, Head of Forestry Department Joko Istanto, Head of Plantation Department Ahmad Muzakkir, and other various representatives from East Kalimantan Provincial Government. The discussion emphasized that the relocation and construction of IKN is a matter of national interest, requiring the understanding and cooperation of the community.
As members of the Forest City Research Consortium, we are committed to contributing our expertise and insights to this monumental project. Our delegation included distinguished academics and researchers from various institutions, reflecting our interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the IKN development.
We look forward to continued collaboration with the regional government and the community in East Kalimantan. Together, we can ensure that the development of the Nusantara Capital City is carried out in a manner that respects the environment, benefits the local community, and contributes to national progress.
This event was also attended by other Forest City Research Consortium delegation, such as Prof. Rijanta (Professor of Geography UGM), Puput Wahyu Budiman (BRIDA researcher of East Kalimantan Province), Rahmat Aris Pratomo (ITK Balikpapan Lecturer), Dr. Erlis Saputra (Chair of the Department of Development Geography UGM), Agung Jauhari, Rizki Adriadi Ghiffari, Vandy Yoga Swara (Utrecht University), and Dr. Ari Susanti (UGM Lecturer), Wisnu and Yogi (Lambung Mangkurat University), and Dr. Bossman Batubara (Utrecht University).