The Nusantara Capital City Authority announced that Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara Capital City (IKN), located in East Kalimantan, has received 3,000 to 5,000 tourist visits every day.
This shows that IKN is now not only a center of Indonesia administration, but also as one of the tourist destinations that is attractive to the community.
According to Antaranews, Nusantara Capital City Authority’s Director of Investment and Ease of Doing Business, Lazuardi Nasution, explained that currently IKN visitors come from various regions.
Lazuardi added that the IKN has begun to be seen as a tourist destination. Therefore, his party is committed to serving every visitor who comes, ensuring comfort and a positive experience while in the capital of the new country.
Prioritizes Infrastructure Development for IKN
As an area that is in the process of development, IKN has great potential to be developed as a tourist attraction that is not only attractive from an administrative point of view, but also offers natural beauty and easy access for tourists.
The government has also started various strategic steps to support accessibility towards IKN. One of the major efforts being made is the construction of a toll road that will connect Balikpapan, which is the closest city to the IKN.
This toll road is projected to reduce the travel time which previously reached 2.5 hours to only about 45 to 50 minutes. It is hoped that in December 2024, the toll road can be completed and operated immediately, accelerating the journey to the IKN.
This will certainly provide comfort for tourists, government employees, and various parties interested in the development of the IKN. Meanwhile, the Balang Island toll road access that connects the IKN with other areas still uses an open-close system.
This is adjusted to the needs and arrival of guests who come to the IKN, considering the ongoing development. However, this infrastructure is expected to mature over time, ensuring the smooth flow of transportation to the IKN.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto had emphasized the importance of developing the IKN as the center of Indonesia’s government in the future.
In a meeting with the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), on November 7, 2024, President Prabowo reminded that the development of the IKN must be one of the top priorities in the development of the country’s infrastructure.
This includes the construction of roads, bridges, and other facilities that can support the smooth operation of the government.
Increased Connectivity to IKN
In addition, to improve the connectivity of the IKN with other regions, especially with Bali, the number of flights to Balikpapan is increasing. Garuda Indonesia, after Citilink Indonesia, Air Asia, and Lion Air, now also serves the Denpasar-Balikpapan flight route.
Garuda Indonesia adds flights three times a week, namely on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The presence of Garuda Indonesia on this route provides more alternatives for passengers who want to go to Balikpapan, as well as opening an easier route to IKN.
General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, stated that the opening of this route is very important to strengthen connectivity both from Bali to IKN, as well as as a link to tourist destinations on the Island of the Gods.
According to him, with the addition of Garuda Indonesia flights, the total frequency of flights on the Balikpapan-Bali route will be 34 times a week, which can meet the needs of the growing community.
Bisnisbali reports, as of October 2024, a total of 62 airlines are operating, with 12 airlines serving domestic routes and 42 airlines serving international routes.
The airport targets the number of passengers to reach 23.6 million by the end of 2024, which shows optimism for connectivity growth in the aviation sector.
Overall, the development of the IKN does not only focus on the government aspect, but also opens up great opportunities for the tourism sector, as well as strengthening connectivity between regions in Indonesia.
Sources: AntaraNews, BisnisBali
Image: M.Adimaja/AntaraNews
