DIGIVESTASI - The development of the Nusantara National Capital (IKN) led by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has faced criticism regarding what is perceived as reckless investment practices. This criticism was voiced by Greenpeace Indonesia Campaigner, Muhammad Iqbal Damanik, during an online discussion on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

Iqbal stated, "Granting 190-year rights to companies for investment in IKN is a betrayal of Indonesia's independence ideals." This statement was made during a virtual discussion.

In response to this view, a coalition of civil society groups and residents from seven villages affected by the IKN project in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, has called for Indonesia not to be for sale, with the slogan "Indonesia is Not For Sale, Merdeka!" This call was also displayed on a red banner hung at Pulau Balang Bridge on the same day.

"To fully realize Indonesia's independence ideals," Iqbal emphasized. This call coincided with the Independence Day celebrations at IKN, involving organizations such as the IKN Project Victims, Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Walhi), Mining Advocacy Network, Pokja 30, Indonesian People's Faction, Legal Aid Institute, Balikpapan Coastal Working Group, PBH Peradi, Greenpeace Indonesia, Trend Asia, Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, Walhi National Executive, and the Association of Legal Aid and Human Rights in the Land for the People Coalition.

The Independence Day celebration included communities from seven villages, including Pantai Lango, Jebora, Maridan, and Sepaku, which are part of the Nusantara National Capital area. "The celebration was accompanied by a sea parade," said Iqbal.

The Land for the People Coalition used this opportunity to shout their independence campaign and demonstrate nationalism on Independence Day. Iqbal added that the Coalition also urged the government, after Jokowi, to ensure that development respects environmental conservation and indigenous rights.

"Return the rights of indigenous people and assert that Indonesia is not for sale," Iqbal said. He explained that this theme was chosen because, over Jokowi's 10-year presidency, investments have been considered poorly planned.

According to Iqbal, the reckless investment and development of IKN have disrupted the lives of local residents, including those in Balikpapan. "Development should bring prosperity, but instead, people are being displaced. This is a manifestation of colonialism," he asserted.

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