The Indonesian government has officially opened the Indonesian Capital City (Ibu Kota Nusantara or IKN) area for public visits starting Monday, 16th September 2024.
According to a press statement published on the official IKN website on Monday, the number of visitors is limited to 300 people per day. Tourists wishing to visit can register through the IKNOW application and obtain free tickets to enter IKN. Visitors will be transported by electric vehicle (EV), a comfortable bus, from the designated parking areas at the IKN rest area and Simpang Terunen to some of the open visitor spots, including Plaza Seremoni and Garuda Palace.
Troy Pantouw, Special Staff and Head of the IKN Authority for Public Communication explained in the same press statement that the opening of IKN to the public is part of efforts to increase awareness among the Indonesian people.
“The goal is for the general public to experience [IKN] directly and witness the progress of its development,” Pantouw said. “Earlier, I guided the public on the bus to KIPP [Kawasan Inti Pusat Pemerintahan or Core Area of Government Centre] and had a dialogue with visitors at Plaza Seremoni. They expressed their pride, happiness, and excitement at seeing the city they had only seen in the media. I was touched by the enthusiasm and optimism of the visitors who came from various cities and backgrounds.”
Several foreign tourists also visited IKN on its public opening day. Valentine, a tourist from Germany, shared her admiration for the area’s current state.
“It’s very green. I like how people can walk everywhere. That’s not very common here in Indonesia. Also, the buildings look very nice, and the presidential palace is huge and amazing,” she told the press.
Another German tourist, Vera, remarked on how the natural beauty of Borneo added even more charm to IKN. “There’s greenery everywhere. It’s not crowded, fewer people, and of course, the locals are friendly,” she added.
For more information about visiting IKN, prospective visitors can download the IKNOW application via the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android).