Cultural Custodians of Nusantara: Weaving Tradition into Modernity

  

Foto : Sekretariat Presiden

As Indonesia accelerates the development of infrastructure and public services for its new capital city, Nusantara (IKN), there is increasing attention on the role of indigenous communities in the region. Nusantara is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Paser, Dayak, Kutai, and Balik peoples. These communities have long histories and deep-rooted cultures that are central to the identity of the region. As the area becomes the nation’s urban center, it is vital that their presence is not overshadowed by rapid urbanization. Preserving and promoting local culture in the context of development has become a key concern, and various initiatives are being undertaken to ensure that these indigenous communities are actively involved in shaping the future of IKN.

 

The Importance of Culture in IKN’s Development

Cultural preservation is not a simple or short-term effort. It requires significant time and dedication. For Indonesia, this is a critical aspect of national development, as culture forms the backbone of a society’s identity and values. Culture is also intertwined with local wisdom, which creates systems of values that influence community habits and ways of life. As Nusantara becomes a focal point of modernization, the Indonesian government has recognized the need to strengthen cultural preservation through community involvement.

The Ministry of Human Development and Culture has been working to ensure the integration of indigenous cultures into IKN’s development for the past two years. One of the key initiatives is the National Cultural Harmony Festival (FHBN), which took place in North Penajam Paser District from September 5 to 7, 2024. The festival, opened by President Joko Widodo, was a celebration of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and the role of indigenous people in shaping IKN.

At the festival, President Widodo emphasized that North Penajam Paser District will become a melting pot of diverse cultural interactions. He underscored the importance of indigenous communities being able to live in harmony while maintaining, preserving, and promoting their cultural identities, values, and traditions. This message highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring that the cultural heritage of East Kalimantan’s indigenous peoples is not lost in the midst of the region’s transformation.

 

Integrating Education and Culture in IKN

The integration of cultural preservation with human development is essential for the progress of Nusantara. Education is a fundamental part of this process, as it shapes the character and values of the younger generation. The establishment of Pancasila Laboratory Schools in North Penajam Paser District during the 2024 FHBN is a testament to the government’s efforts in this area. These 30 schools will serve as platforms for incorporating indigenous perspectives and promoting national character-building values in students.

The Pancasila Laboratory Schools aim to address issues such as moral degradation among students, including bullying, intolerance, and other negative behaviors. By embedding the values of Pancasila—the philosophical foundation of Indonesia—into the curriculum, these schools will help cultivate a sense of unity and respect for diversity in the students. They will also focus on environmental education, ensuring that students understand the importance of preserving their natural surroundings, which are integral to the culture and livelihood of indigenous communities.

In addition to cultural preservation, these schools will promote entrepreneurial skills among students, helping them to become self-sufficient and contributing to the local economy. The goal is to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world while staying rooted in their cultural heritage.

 

Empowering Indigenous Communities through Vocational Education

As the IKN project progresses, the need for a skilled workforce becomes more pressing. One of the challenges faced by the indigenous communities in North Penajam Paser District is the lack of opportunities for higher education and employment. Many high school and vocational school graduates are unable to pursue further education due to financial constraints, which leads to unemployment.

To address this issue, the regional government has been actively promoting vocational education as a means of improving the local workforce's skills and reducing unemployment. This effort includes collaboration with the Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) and the Solo Technopark Science and Technology Area, which provides training in fields such as welding, piping, electricity, mechanics, rigging, and scaffolding. In 2024, 102 individuals from the region participated in a 3.5-month training program, with the goal of deploying them to work at IKN upon completion.

This vocational training initiative is part of a broader strategy to prepare local residents for the employment opportunities that will arise as IKN develops. The regional government is also working with the Surabaya Aviation Polytechnic to train local workers for jobs at Nusantara Airport. Additionally, 114 construction workers from North Penajam Paser District have received certification, making them eligible to work on various IKN projects. The government has even established partnerships with universities in Central Java to provide scholarships for students pursuing degrees in civil engineering, urban planning, and medicine.

By focusing on vocational education, the government aims to create a workforce that can contribute to the development of IKN while also ensuring that the local population benefits from the economic opportunities created by the new capital.

 

Nusantara as a Cultural Living Museum

One of the most ambitious cultural initiatives in IKN is the creation of the Nusantara Living Museum. Muhsin Palinrungi, Director of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy at the Indonesian Capital Authority (OIKN), has described the project as an effort to turn IKN into a living museum of Nusantara’s diverse cultures. This initiative will spotlight the unique cultures of the region’s indigenous peoples, particularly the Paser and Balik tribes, which are the two primary indigenous groups in the area.

The Nusantara Living Museum will host a variety of cultural activities and events that highlight local traditions, arts, and crafts. These events will not only serve to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of East Kalimantan’s indigenous peoples but also attract tourists and investors to the region. By positioning IKN as a cultural hub, the government hopes to stimulate the local economy and create new opportunities for the community.

 

The Five Mentalities for IKN’s Cultural and Social Progress

As part of its efforts to integrate culture into the development of IKN, the Indonesian government has identified five key mentalities that should be nurtured in society. These mentalities reflect the values and principles that are essential for building a prosperous and harmonious community in Nusantara.

Serving Mentality: A sense of service to the community and the nation is critical for fostering independence and resilience. Vocational education programs are one way this mentality is being promoted, as they provide individuals with the skills they need to contribute to society and improve their own economic circumstances.

Independent Mentality: This mentality emphasizes the importance of maintaining local strength and wisdom while resisting negative foreign influences. By preserving indigenous cultures and promoting local economic independence, the government aims to create a society that is self-sufficient and proud of its heritage.

Clean Attitude: A clean attitude, free from corruption and fraud, is seen as a key indicator of a nation’s progress. Transparency and integrity are values that the government seeks to instill in the population, particularly through education and cultural initiatives.

Unity in Diversity: Indonesia is a pluralistic nation, and the ability to embrace and respect diversity is essential for its success. The government encourages a welcoming attitude towards newcomers and the promotion of harmony among different cultural groups.

Orderly Behavior and Respect: Discipline and respect for others are fundamental to building a just and orderly society. These values are being promoted through the education system and various community initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of mutual respect and cooperation.

 

Indigenous Communities at the Heart of IKN’s Future

The involvement of indigenous communities in the development of IKN is not just a matter of preserving their culture—it is about ensuring that they are active participants in shaping the future of the region. Efforts to engage indigenous people in cultural events, vocational training, and education are part of a broader strategy to empower them and create a sustainable, inclusive society in Nusantara.

Bahrani, the Deputy Chair of the Paser Customary Institution of North Penajam Paser District, expressed his support for the government’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of promoting Paser culture and other East Kalimantan traditions at the national level. He sees the development of IKN as an opportunity for the region to contribute to the advancement of Indonesian civilization.

As IKN continues to evolve, the government’s commitment to cultural preservation and human development will play a crucial role in ensuring that the new capital city is not only a center of economic and political power but also a vibrant cultural hub that reflects the diversity and richness of Indonesia’s indigenous heritage. By involving indigenous communities in every aspect of IKN’s growth, the government aims to create a capital city that is truly representative of the nation’s pluralistic identity and cultural wealth.