The National Capital Project (IKN) underwent scrutiny by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) on December 17, 2023, to evaluate its alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Headed by UNESCAP Executive Director Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, the delegation, in collaboration with representatives from the IKN Authority, including Special Staff for Sustainable Development Diani Sadiawati and Deputy Planning and Land Deputy Mia Amalia, conducted an inspection of two crucial sites focusing on reforestation and community empowerment.
The sites visited were the Mentawir Seedbed and Hydroponic Agriculture, both associated with reforestation efforts and community empowerment initiatives. Sepaku residents, trained through a joint effort by OIKN and BLK Samarinda in 2022, were instrumental in these programs.
The information gathered from these visits will serve as valuable data sources for Indonesia’s national Voluntary Local Review (VLR) on SDG progress. The findings are anticipated to be presented at the High-Level Political Forum on SDGs scheduled in New York in 2024.
Bambang Susantono, the Head of the IKN Authority, welcomed the UNESCAP delegation on December 16, 2023. Stressing the significance of concrete actions in Nusantara’s development concerning SDG implementation, he stated, “Our [IKN Authority] primary focus in developing Nusantara is to make it a sustainable and livable city.”
In a written statement on December 18, 2023, Bambang highlighted the integration of SDGs into every project in Nusantara.
The Mentawir Seedbed and Hydroponic Agriculture were cited as examples of the initial steps taken towards reforestation and supporting sustainable economic endeavors.
Executive Director of UNESCAP, Armida Alisjahbana, commended the IKN Authority’s efforts during the visit, emphasizing sustainability as a key focus. She acknowledged the significance of reforestation and upskilling initiatives for surrounding residents to promote sustainable livelihoods.
Diani Sadiawati, Special Staff for Sustainable Development at the IKN Authority, revealed ongoing projects in line with SDGs and outlined plans for the third groundbreaking event in Nusantara, emphasizing a heightened focus on sustainability and green projects.
The IKN Authority is currently collaborating with UNESCAP and other international partners to compile the VLR, facilitating continuous monitoring of SDG implementation in Nusantara.
UNESCAP, serving as the UN’s regional branch for the Asia-Pacific region, encompasses 53 member countries and 9 associate members. Its initiatives address a range of issues, including poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, disaster risk management, trade and investment, social inclusion, and regional connectivity.
