President Jokowi Underscores Importance of Cultural Preservation in IKN Development

President Jokowi (center) attends the 2023 Nusantara Cultural Harmony Festival at Taruna Field, Sepaku, North Penajam Paser regency, East Kalimantan province, on Friday (11/03). (Source: Screen capture)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Friday (11/03) called for human resources development and cultural preservation to support the ongoing infrastructure development in Indonesia’s new capital of Nusantara (IKN).

The statement was made by President Jokowi during the 2023 Nusantara Cultural Harmony Festival at Taruna Field, Sepaku, North Penajam Paser regency, East Kalimantan province.

“[Infrastructure] is all about physical development. In fact, we must prioritize human development, cultural preservation; conserve our nature. Do not let it be eroded by foreign culture,” he said.

He also lauded the Festival as an opportunity to affirm efforts to preserve our diverse culture.

“Our arts, culture are diverse and plural. We have around 714 ethnic groups. It means that we have to preserve and maintain the character and culture,” he added.

He went on to say that the IKN will be home to many people from various ethnicities and culture. He expressed hope that all communities can live side by side in harmony and can join hands in preserving, maintaining, and developing the nation’s culture including East Kalimantan’s culture.

Therefore, we need to raise collective awareness on the importance of mutual respect and respect for diversity, as well as the importance of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) as our capital to create harmony, togetherness, and unity,” he remarked. (DND/UN) (RAS/LW)