Researchers from UIN Jakarta and BRIN Examine the Impact of IKN Development on Local Fishermen’s Live

East Kalimantan, UIN News Online — Research team from UIN Jakarta and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has collaborated on a study in the Nusantara Capital (IKN) area for nearly two weeks. This research, focused on the Penajam Paser Utara region in East Kalimantan, aims to assess the impact of IKN development on the traditional fishermen in Jenebora Beach, East Kalimantan.

The research team from UIN Jakarta is led by Professor Jajang Jahroni, M.A., Ph.D., a Professor at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities. From BRIN, the team is headed by Dr. Ery Soedewo, M.Hum. The researchers collaboratively explored the extent of changes experienced by the fishermen following the development project.“We aim to understand how the IKN development affects the traditional fishermen in Jenebora. This is a significant change that needs in-depth study,” said Jajang, who holds a doctorate in anthropology from Boston University, in a statement on Monday (15/7/2024).

During the ten days in the field, the research team, including Mu’min Roup, a lecturer at the Faculty of Sharia and Law (FSH), Mauidlotun Nisa’ and Endi Aulia Garadian, lecturers at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH), and Tati Rohayati, a researcher at the Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) UIN Jakarta, conducted interviews with various parties, including fishermen, religious leaders, traditional leaders, the Head of Jenebora Village, the Fisheries Department of Penajam Paser Utara Regency (PPU), and the IKN authority in Balikpapan.

The research revealed that the presence of IKN and the surrounding development have not been well-received by the local fishermen. Usman, a local fisherman, expressed his concerns, stating, “We used to fish freely in the sea, but now many areas are closed due to the development. Our catch has decreased drastically,” he said.

To address these issues, the local government has taken mitigation steps for the fishermen. Rozihan Asward, Head of the Fisheries Department of Penajam Paser Utara (PPU), explained the efforts made to help the fishermen. “We provide training and assistance to fishermen so they can adapt to the changes. Improved infrastructure is also expected to open up new economic opportunities for them,” he said.

Dr. Drs. Conrita Ermanto, M.Si, Director of Community Empowerment of the Nusantara Capital Authority of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), expressed optimism about the IKN development during an interview at his office. “We are optimistic. The IKN Authority monitors the development progress daily, with workers rotating in three shifts. The target is for the development to be completed by 2045. On August 17th, we will hold a transition ceremony themed ‘Don't Forget Jakarta, Welcome to the IKN Authority’,” he said enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, Jajang hopes that the research conducted with his team will serve as a basis for better policies for the government, especially for the fishermen affected by the IKN development.

Jajang also expressed his hope for UIN Jakarta, especially the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), saying, “We hope that Kemenag can adopt measures similar to those undertaken by Gunadarma University, which is currently developing in the Nusantara Capital area, so that it can contribute more significantly to the development of IKN and provide a positive impact on the surrounding community,” he concluded.

 (Tati R./Contributor)