OIKN Regarding The Issue Of Eviction Of Indigenous Citizens At IKN Arbitrarily: That's A Hoax

Head of OIKN Bambang Susantono. (Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI)

The Capital Authority of the Archipelago (OIKN) has opened its voice regarding the issue of eviction of indigenous residents on the land of the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN).

OIKN Chief Bambang Susantono assessed that his party would communicate well regarding this matter.

"We will prioritize dialogue, communication later. We will not arbitrarily displace it," Bambang told reporters after the National Coordination Meeting of the Capital of the Archipelago at the Indonesian Hotel Kempinski, Jakarta, quoted on Friday, March 15.

Bambang said good communication needed to be done in line with the momentum of Ramadan this March.

On the same occasion, Deputy for Social Culture and Community Empowerment of OIKN Alimuddin said the customary rights themselves were protected at IKN.

He emphasized that no evictions were carried out by force.

"Customistry rights are protected in IKN, there are no arbitrary evictions. That development will continue to develop, yes. However, the rights of indigenous peoples are protected, all are protected in IKN. So, there is no (way) arbitrarily," he said.

Alimuddin also denied that indigenous residents were given 7 days to move. "Nothing, nothing. The letter has passed. Don't widen it again, yes," he said.

In addition, he also denied that the issue of indigenous peoples being evicted from IKN was not true or hoaxes.

"So, if someone says people are evicted, it's a hoax. Show me, nothing," he said.

According to Alimuddin, residents of Penajam Paser Utara (PPU) also support the development of IKN.

He said that there was indeed a need for wider discussion and socialization to the public.

"All of that already has a law and I think the entire community in the PPU supports IKN. It needs discussion and socialization to them. They all support IKN," he said.