IKN Authority Holds Meeting with Komnas HAM, Discussing Alleged Human Rights Violations in IKN Development

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN or IKN Authority) held a meeting with the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) at the IKN Authority office, Balikpapan, on Monday, April 1. The meeting was held to discuss the first Letter of Reprimand sent by Komnas HAM regarding the spatial arrangement of the Sepaku area in the location of IKN. 

"This meeting also discussed the next steps taken by both parties to respond to the problem," wrote the HR and Public Relations Bureau of the IKN Authority in an official statement on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. 

Previously, the human rights agency took the initiative to monitor alleged human rights violations against nine farmers in the IKN area. The farmers also faced alleged threats and intimidation through the planned eviction of the indigenous people of Pamaluan.

The farmers, who are members of the Saloloang Farmers Group, had their hair shaved by the police. They were also arrested and named as suspects by the East Kalimantan Police. 

The meeting between the IKN Authority and Komnas HAM was attended by high-level representatives from both institutions. Those include Komnas HAM's Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner and the IKN Authority's Deputy for Development Control. 

During the meeting, the IKN Authority expressed its commitment to arranging Sepaku area. IKN Authority considers spatial order and permits a necessity to avoid unorganized settlements. 

Meanwhile, Komnas HAM emphasized the importance of protecting human rights in every stage of development. Komnas HAM also provided input on efforts to ensure community participation in the IKN developmental process.

The IKN Authority and Komnas HAM agreed to establish closer cooperation in various aspects of IKN development. Those include strengthening the human rights capacity of IKN Authority employees, collaboration in holding dialogues with the local community, and cooperation in monitoring and enforcing human rights in IKN.

Both parties also agreed to share relevant data and information to support sustainable development measures based on human rights. Komnas HAM also expressed its readiness to provide assistance and act as a mediator in resolving problems that may arise.

The IKN Authority hopes for close cooperation with Komnas HAM to encourage principled development of the new capital city. 

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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