Dr. Kei Otsuki’s Lecture on “Following Frontiers of the Forest City” at BRIN

On August 22, 2024, Dr. Kei Otsuki delivered a guest lecture at BRIN (The National Research and Innovation Agency) focusing on the ecological, social, and economic impacts of Indonesia’s new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). Titled “Following Frontiers of the Forest City,” her lecture provided critical insights into the complex dynamics shaping this ambitious development project.

Dr. Otsuki discussed the risk of IKN becoming an isolated enclave due to insufficient connections with surrounding communities, a potential barrier to fostering inclusive, sustainable urbanization in East Kalimantan. This disconnect, she argued, could have long-term implications for regional integration and social equity, issues that have yet to receive adequate attention from policymakers.

The lecture prompted in-depth discussion among BRIN researchers, offering a platform to rethink how frontier urban developments like IKN can support both environmental resilience and community well-being. 

For those interested, the full lecture is available on YouTube here.