The Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) has pledged strict law enforcement against forest destruction within the delineation area of Indonesia’s new capital. This region covers parts of the Kutai Kartanegara and North Penajam Paser Districts in East Kalimantan.
Agung Dodit Muliawan, an OIKN official and chairperson of the Task Force for Combating Illegal Activities in the IKN region, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to tackling illegal activities. Speaking in Sepaku on Sunday, Muliawan stated, “We will firmly enforce the law against activities that harm the environment.”
Conservation and Prohibited Activities
A primary focus of the crackdown is the Bukit Soeharto People’s Forest Park (Tahura). Muliawan identified this as a conservation forest area where all forms of mining activities are legally prohibited.
To prevent encroachment, the task force has erected prohibition signs in protected forest areas. Muliawan emphasized that the Tahura area is protected from illegal mining and that law enforcement will continue “without exception.”
Task Force Operations and Legal Actions
The task force has already executed several operations targeting illegal resource extraction. These actions include the closure of an illegal mine in Bukit Tengkorak and the handling of a P21 illegal coal transport case.
Further investigations have been conducted by the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency regarding illegal coal mining and sales. The East Kalimantan Regional Police have investigated illegal mining near Samboja Hospital.
Other enforcement actions included the seizure of illegal coal shipments to a jetty and the transportation of illegal coal using seven trucks. These cases have been handed over to the relevant law enforcement authorities.
Community Engagement and Future Outlook
Beyond enforcement, the OIKN is carrying out land restoration and educating local communities on the importance of preserving forest areas. The authority is also opening dialogues to find solutions for activities that were already occurring before the establishment of the IKN.
Patrols have been intensified and the authority is encouraging local residents to assist in monitoring efforts. The public is urged to report suspected violations in the Tahura area or other IKN forests via the official complaint hotline at +62 811 5999 767.
Moving forward, the intensification of patrols may lead to more frequent legal actions against illegal operators. The ongoing dialogue with local communities could determine how legacy land-use issues are resolved as the capital develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which districts are included in the IKN delineation area?
The area covers parts of the North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara Districts in East Kalimantan.
What is the legal status of mining in the Bukit Soeharto People’s Forest Park?
Mining activities of any kind are legally prohibited in the park, as it is a designated conservation forest area.
How can the public report illegal activities in the new capital region?
Violations can be reported through the official IKN Authority complaint hotline at +62 811 5999 767.
Do you believe community dialogue or strict law enforcement is more effective in protecting conservation forests?
