Bambang Susantono Talks of Fate of Indigenous People in New Capital Areas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bambang Susantono, the head of the new capital authority or IKN Nusantara, said the government will be fair in treating and open a dialogue with indigenous people residing in areas within the new capital zone.

“Hopefully, [we will act] as fair as possible,” said Bambang in an exclusive interview at Tempo Headquarters on Tuesday, March 22.

Bambang expected no eviction against indigenous people and hoped they will become part of the plan or design of the IKN development. “Let them be more advanced along with the progress of the civilization,” he said.

He emphasized that for the next three years, the city authority will manage acquired lands. Other lands that have not been cleared will be handled by the Public Works and Housing or PUPR Ministry, the National Development Planning Ministry (ATR/BPN), and the Environment Ministry.

The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) earlier confirmed a number of claims over land ownership in the development area of the state capital in East Kalimantan. The issues are being managed by a team established by the East Kalimantan Governor, which consists of the East Kalimantan Regional Land Agency (BPN) and the Balikpapan Land Agency.

“[The claims] come from indigenous people, such as heirs of the Kutai Sultanate and 14 farmer groups at the IKN location,” said Deputy II Chief of Presidential Staff Office Abetnego Tarigan in a written statement, Monday, March 21.

Read: Bambang Susantono Calls for Local Participation in New Capital

HENDARTYO HANGGI | FAJAR PEBRIANTO