IKN as a Strategic Momentum to Improve the Human Resources of the Dayak Community

KALIMANTAN TIMUR - The presence of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in parts of North Penajam Paser Regency and Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan, is seen as the main catalyst in improving the quality of local people's Human Resources (HR).

The General Chair of the East Kalimantan Dayak Federation (PDKT), Syaharie Jaang, emphasized that this capital relocation is a golden opportunity for the Dayak people to transform and play an active role in national development.

"IKN is a strategic momentum to improve the quality of Dayak people's human resources so that they can play an active role in development," said Syaharie Jaang as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

He reminded that self-preparation through education and improving the quality of individuals is absolutely essential.

"Local people must prepare themselves, without education they will be marginalized, without quality there is nothing in their own area," he said.

In line with this, the Head of the IKN Authority Basuki Hadimuljono said that the PDKT Mubes was an important consolidation platform for the Dayak people in welcoming the role of IKN as the Political Capital in 2028.

Basuki emphasized that indigenous people are the main pillars in maintaining social and cultural sustainability in IKN.

He is committed to building IKN inclusively and equitably with indigenous people as actors, not just spectators or beneficiaries of development.

As a tangible form of this commitment, Basuki revealed that currently around 30 percent of employees at the IKN Authority are native sons and daughters of East Kalimantan.

Apart from the aspect of employment, the IKN Authority is also developing a cultural center area which is designed as an inclusive public space for the community.

This step was taken so that the identity of local culture remains sustainable and in line with the progress of the physical development of the new capital city which is sustainable until 2028.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of East Kalimantan, Seno Aji, who was also present at the event assessed that the Mubes PDKT was a space for strengthening the role of indigenous people which was very crucial.

"The PDKT Embassy is a space to strengthen the role of indigenous people," said Seno.

He explained that the Dayak tribe is one of the fundamental ethnic groups that is an integral part of the identity of East Kalimantan Province, so that its involvement in every strategic step of IKN becomes a very solid social foundation.