Holiday Crowds Flock To IKN As Visitors Take Part In Tree Planting Activities
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| IKN invites visitors to plant trees at its Tropical Rainforest Miniature, drawing thousands of participants to support the development of a sustainable forest city. |
Sepaku, East Kalimantan — Efforts to expand green spaces continue across the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), with authorities actively involving visitors in environmental activities. Instead of simply observing the development progress, visitors are now encouraged to participate directly in tree planting as part of a new culture being introduced in Indonesia’s future capital.
Director of Macro Planning at the IKN Authority, Pungky Widiaryanto, explained that visits to the IKN area are designed not only as sightseeing opportunities but also as educational and participatory experiences.
"Visitors are not only coming to observe development progress, but they are also planting trees and enjoying activities together with their families," Pungky said on Tuesday (2026) in Sepaku, Penajam Paser Utara Regency.
Tropical Rainforest Miniature Becomes An Educational Tourism Attraction
The IKN Authority has opened public access while offering participatory programs that allow visitors to plant trees at the IKN Tropical Rainforest Miniature.
During the national holiday period from April 3–5, 2026, the location became one of the most popular destinations. Thousands of visitors spent their holidays by planting trees alongside family members.
Official data recorded approximately 59,676 visitors and 14,382 vehicles entering the IKN area during the holiday period.
A total of 500 planting holes were prepared for visitors, using tree species native to Kalimantan’s tropical forests, including:
Balangeran
Meranti
Bodhi
Kapok (Kapuk Randu)
Candlenut (Kemiri)
This initiative forms part of vegetation rehabilitation efforts while strengthening IKN’s forest city concept.
Seventy Percent Native Kalimantan Species
The planting program follows a carefully planned ecological composition.
Around 70 percent of the planted species are native to Kalimantan, while the remaining 30 percent consist of multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) that provide environmental and economic benefits.
This strategy aims to maintain ecosystem sustainability while improving environmental quality across the IKN region.
Beyond environmental benefits, the tree planting initiative also offers valuable educational experiences for children and families visiting the area.
Tree Planting Culture Introduced In IKN
The greening initiative is not intended as a ceremonial activity alone. The IKN Authority aims to make tree planting part of everyday culture in the new capital city.
By encouraging visitors to plant trees in forested areas around the Core Government Area (KIPP), the program supports the restoration of tropical rainforest ecosystems, which form a central vision of IKN development.
Special Staff to the Head of the IKN Authority for Public Communication and spokesperson Troy Pantouw stated that the holiday momentum reflects optimism and renewal aligned with IKN’s development goals.
According to him, the festive holiday atmosphere aligns with the broader vision of building a green and inclusive future city.
"IKN is not only developing as a government center, but also growing into a public space that integrates ecological, educational, and recreational aspects for society," Troy explained.
IKN Growing Into A Green Public Space
Community participation in tree planting reflects that IKN development focuses not only on infrastructure but also on environmental sustainability.
The forest city concept positions IKN as one of Indonesia’s most ambitious sustainable development projects.
In addition to improving environmental quality, these activities create opportunities for eco-tourism that offer meaningful and memorable experiences for visitors.
For many visitors, traveling to IKN is no longer just about observing development progress — it is about actively contributing to environmental preservation.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the purpose of tree planting activities at IKN?
The goal is to support the forest city concept, rehabilitate vegetation, and promote a culture of tree planting among visitors.
2. Where does the tree planting activity take place in IKN?
It takes place at the Tropical Rainforest Miniature and surrounding areas of the Core Government Area (KIPP).
3. How many visitors attended during the April 2026 national holiday?
Approximately 59,676 visitors and 14,382 vehicles were recorded entering the IKN area.
4. What types of trees are planted at IKN?
Species include balangeran, meranti, bodhi, kapok, and candlenut trees.
5. What environmental concept is applied in IKN development?
IKN is designed as a forest city that prioritizes sustainability and ecological balance.
