Nusantara, also known as IKN, short for Ibukota Nusantara or
"Capital Nusantara", is the newly established capital of Indonesia.
Located in East Kalimantan Province on the island of Borneo, the city was
conceived to tackle overpopulation and environmental challenges faced by
Jakarta, the country’s current capital.
Origin of the Name
The name Nusantara historically refers to the entire Indonesian
archipelago. First mentioned in Javanese literature between the 12th and 16th
centuries, it was used to describe a concept tied to the Majapahit Kingdom's
territorial ambitions. The term itself comes from Old Javanese: nusa,
meaning "island," and antara, which can be interpreted as
"other" or "across."
Nusantara also historically encompassed areas beyond the Majapahit
realm, including what is now Malaysia and Singapore, which were seen as
territories to be integrated into the kingdom. This broader definition
underlines Nusantara's significance in both geographic and political
terms.
Nusantara Today: Current Developments
The Garuda Palace in Nusantara has been used by President Joko Widodo
(Jokowi) for plenary sessions and cabinet meetings, with the most recent
meetings held in August and September 2024. The palace also hosted the 79th
anniversary celebration of Indonesia's independence on August 17, 2024.
Additionally, the palace served as the venue for a coordination meeting with
regional officials.
Since September 16, 2024, Nusantara has been open to the public. Visitors
can explore the ceremonial square and the Kusuma Bangsa Nusantara park.
According to the official IKN website, the city is open daily from 9:00 AM to
5:00 PM Jakarta time, with a visitor limit of 300 people per day.
To visit Nusantara (IKN), follow these steps for
online registration through the IKNOW app:
- Download the IKNOW app from the AppStore or PlayStore.
- Create an account in the app by registering your details.
- Log in using your email and password.
- Select "Visit Nusantara" (Kunjungi Nusantara) within the app.
- Choose a date and time for your visit based on availability.
- Indicate the number of visitors in your group.
- Tap "Register" (Registrasi) and proceed to the payment section.
- Fill in your contact details and personal information for each visitor.
- Review your order, ensuring everything is correct.
- Confirm your registration by clicking the confirmation column.
- Submit your registration (Kirim Pendaftaran) and wait for processing.
- Once confirmed, tickets will be sent to your email for entry.
This process ensures a seamless visit to Nusantara
with all details handled digitally.
How to Get from Bali to Nusantara
Airport Access
The
airport in Nusantara is currently only used for government purposes. For
private flights and cargo, travellers will need to use airports in Balikpapan
or Samarinda.
A direct
flight from Denpasar to Balikpapan with Lion Air takes about 2
hours and costs between IDR 1-1.5 million.
Accommodation: It is recommended to stay overnight in Balikpapan,
as infrastructure in the new capital is still under development.
Travel to
Nusantara: From Balikpapan,
you can hire a private car to reach Nusantara, which is about 100
km away. A
transfer for a 7-seater vehicle typically costs around IDR 800,000. You can
choose to book an entire car or opt for a shared ride, depending
on your preference.
By Car
You can
travel by your own or rented car, crossing two ferry routes:
- Gilimanuk - Ketapang: This ferry connects Bali and Java.
- Tanjung Perak (Surabaya, Java) - Trishakti (Banjarmasin, Kalimantan): This ferry links Java to Kalimantan. The journey takes approximately 3 days, including an overnight stay in Surabaya.
By Ferry
As a
passenger, you can take the ferry from Benoa (Bali) to Tanjung Perak
(Surabaya, Java). The adult ticket costs IDR 227,000, while children under
2 pay IDR 27,300. After arriving at Tanjung Perak, you can continue by ferry to
Semayang (Balikpapan), with tickets priced at IDR 516,000 for adults and
IDR 54,000 for children.
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the pelni.co.id
website, via local travel agencies, or at Alfamart and Indomart convenience
stores, as well as through the PELNI app.
Accommodation
Pentacity Hotel Balikpapan is a contemporary coastal hotel offering
comfortable accommodations for both business travellers and tourists.
- The hotel features various room types, each equipped with all the essentials to ensure a comfortable stay.
- On-site amenities include a variety of restaurants serving both local and international dishes, swimming pools, and free Wi-Fi.
- Guests can also enjoy access to a gym and spa services.
Room rates start
from IDR 900,000 per night.
Hotel Horison Sagita Balikpapan provides a variety of amenities to ensure a
comfortable stay. The rooms are designed in a modern style and equipped with
essential features such as air conditioning, a TV, and a minibar.
- Guests can enjoy meals at the hotel’s restaurants, which serve both local and international dishes.
- For business travellers, there are meeting and event spaces, all equipped with up-to-date technology.
- The hotel also offers fitness facilities, along with wellness treatments to help guests relax and rejuvenate.
With its central location near business hubs and
tourist attractions, Hotel Horison Sagita combines comfort and
affordable pricing, making it a popular choice for travellers in Balikpapan.
Room rates start at
IDR 400,000 per night.
Swiss-Belhotel Balikpapan is a stylish and modern hotel located in the
beautiful coastal area of Balikpapan. It offers an array of services and
amenities designed for both business and leisure travellers:
- Rooms are elegantly designed and come equipped with modern comforts, including air conditioning, a TV, and free Wi-Fi.
- The hotel features several restaurants offering a variety of local and international cuisine, and there are bars where guests can enjoy cocktails.
- For guests looking to stay active, there is a fitness centre and an outdoor pool.
- The spa provides various treatments to help guests relax and rejuvenate.
Located in the heart of Balikpapan, the hotel
offers easy access to the city's main attractions. With its excellent service
and stunning ocean views, Swiss-Belhotel Balikpapan is a popular choice
for visitors.
Room rates start
from IDR 600,000 per night.
Top Attractions to Visit in Nusantara
Located in the heart of untouched tropical forest, IKN Glamping offers a
unique experience, surrounded by cool and serene eucalyptus trees. The site
features a combination of stone and wooden stairs, blending seamlessly with its
natural surroundings. Although it is immersed in the forest, it is easily
accessible, just 2.7 km from IKN's zero point and close to a miniature tropical
forest. This spot is ideal for those who want to experience the atmosphere of
the new capital.
What makes it even more intriguing is its proximity
to the Government Centre (KIPP), making it a great destination for those
interested in eco-tourism and experiencing the future of Nusantara's capital.
The Garuda Palace, shaped like Indonesia's legendary Garuda
bird, has recently become a topic of conversation on social media due to its
resemblance to a bat when viewed from afar. Visitors can admire its impressive
design in person and appreciate the grandeur of this iconic structure.
Situated directly in front of the Presidential Palace, Kusuma
Bangsa Park serves as a tribute to the nation's heroes. It is also a
venue for honouring distinguished individuals, where ceremonies and awards are
held.
Although Nusantara has not yet officially replaced Jakarta as
Indonesia's capital, the new city features its own Zero Kilometre
Point. In 2022, the government unveiled a 50 cm monument marking this
milestone. Located in Sambodja and Sepaku
districts, North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan, the monument highlights the
beginning of Nusantara's development.
5. Environmental Education and Tourism Zone (KWPLH, Sun Bear Sanctuary)
If you're eager to see sun bears in their natural habitat, the Sun Bear
Centre in Balikpapan
is a great destination. This centre focuses on the lifestyle of sun bears and
the efforts to conserve their diminishing population on Borneo. The entry fee
is IDR 25,000 per person.
The Margomulyo Mangrove Forest is a protected reserve that
allows visitors to explore the rich flora and fauna typical of Kalimantan’s
mangrove ecosystems. The dense mangroves provide natural shade, making it a
peaceful spot for nature lovers. The entry fee is IDR 5,000.
Pammpang is a Dayak Kenyah village that remains a stronghold
of the tribe's unique traditions. Inhabitants still practice ancient customs
such as ear elongation and body tattooing using traditional Dayak
patterns.
Beyond the cultural performances held on Sundays, visitors to Pammpang
Cultural Village on other days can explore the Traditional
Forest leading to the Lubang Muda Waterfall. Here,
they can observe the daily life of the Dayak people, who rely
on agriculture, horticulture, and crafts such as beadwork and batik.
Translated from the original article by Elena Subakti
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