Various IKN board members attended the meeting, including Secretary Representative Ida Bagus Nyoman Wiswantanu, S.H., M.H., Green and Digital Transformation Deputy Prof. Muhammed Ali Berawi, M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D., Director of Digital Ecosystem Development Tonny Agus Setiono, S.SiT., M.T., and Director of Green and Digital Transformation Dr. Gunawan.

Among the ITB representatives present were ITB Rector Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., University Secretary Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Widjaja Martokusumo, Deans of Schools, Heads of Research Centers, and other relevant officials.

As a renowned institution for technology research and innovation, ITB has contributed its expertise to the IKN framework, particularly in engineering technology, energy, information and communication technology (ICT), and humanities. This collaboration aims to strengthen partnerships and enhance cooperation within different internal O-IKN departments.

ITB has actively participated in the development of IKN, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ITB and O-IKN on October 29, 2022. After a year of collaboration, the O-IKN government sought to evaluate the project's progress through this business meeting.

“We are here to express our highest appreciation and gratitude for ITB, one of the most prestigious institutions that has supported the development of IKN from the beginning,” stated Ir. Bambang Susantono, MCP., MSCE., Ph.D., Head of O-IKN.

Prof. Widjaja emphasized that the meeting serves as an action taken by ITB to report the ongoing progress to the O-IKN Government before moving further into the project. Discussions and consultations are deemed necessary for managing the ambitious IKN project.

“ITB needs time to evaluate and ensure we are heading in the right direction before proceeding further into the project,” added Prof. Widjaja.

During the meeting, Secretary of LPPM Community Services Denny Willy Junaidy, S.Sn., M.T., Ph.D., highlighted ITB's involvement in over 14 programs in villages, serving as a pillar in IKN development across Sepaku District, North Penajam Paser Regency, and Kutai Kertanegara Regency. These programs focus on energy, food security, resilience, and social humanity.

Projects are individually funded through finances from the ITB community, exceeding 1 billion Rupiah. The Purwa Jaya Village project is sponsored by PERHAPI (Association of Indonesian Mining Professionals) as part of their social responsibility.

In alignment with IKN's vision, ITB's contract work emphasizes the utilization of green technology. Projects, initiated since July 2023 in various villages, involve drilling and pumping groundwater, improving plant cultivation using land-based structures, implementing hydroponics with a smart-farming application system, accelerating urban farming, and increasing horticulture productivity through permaculture modeling. Courses on shrimp and milkfish cultivation are also provided for locals.

“The projects aim to help people affected by land loss due to IKN's economic growth, ensuring the community grows and survives changes,” stated Prof. Endah, Dean of the School of Life Sciences and Technology (SLST).

SAPPD Dean, Prof. Sri, highlighted SAPPD's steps in supporting IKN's smart city development, including internships, discussions, and case study studios for students.

The Head of Research Centre of Infrastructure and Regional, Wilmar A. Salim, S.T., M.Reg.Dev., Ph.D., mentioned that around 100 ITB lecturers are ready to contribute to the IKN Development Project. Prof. Ali, Green and Digital Transformation Deputy, expressed full support for ITB's involvement, stating that specific funding would be allocated for research projects in IKN to discover new advancements.

Ir. Bambang Susantono concluded that ITB's engagement in the IKN construction and development program aligns with a socially, economically, and culturally advanced technology program. By contributing to the IKN project, ITB aims to be seen as a prestigious institution prioritizing community service.

Reporter: Pravito Septadenova Dwi Ananta (Geological Engineering, 2019)

Editor: M. Naufal Hafizh

Translator: Kezia Hosana S.

Editor: Vera Citra Utami