TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Acting Head of the IKN Authority and Minister of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), Basuki Hadimuljono, expressed his appreciation for the United States government’s grant that will fuel the realization of the smart city of Nusantara project that is envisioned as a global metropolis.

During a recent event in Jakarta, Basuki, alongside United States Ambassador to Indonesia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, signed a grant agreement with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). This agreement involves technical assistance for the development of a Command Center, a cornerstone of the ambitious Smart City project.

The substantial grant of US$7.6 million will be specifically directed towards technology development within IKN. This latest contribution elevates the total USTDA grant awarded to the IKN Authority to a noteworthy US$10.09 million.

Functioning as an arm of the US government, USTDA plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development and advancing commercial interests in developing nations, including Indonesia. This strategic collaboration aims to expedite the implementation of cutting-edge Smart City technology within Nusantara. The focus lies on integrating innovative solutions that seamlessly complement IKN’s future cityscape management.

Cited from ikn.go.id, Mohammed Ali Berawi, Deputy of Green and Digital Transformation at the IKN Authority, previously signed an agreement with USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong in Los Angeles on May 2, 2024. This US$2.49 million grant agreement was earmarked for the development of Smart City technology, encompassing the application of diverse digital solutions within IKN. The recent agreement further underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to this project.

The IKN Authority is also set to partner with seven prominent U.S. technology companies. These include industry leaders such as Amazon Web Services, Autodesk, Cisco, Esri, IBM, Honeywell, and Motorola. Their combined expertise will be instrumental in developing the aforementioned Command Center, propelling IKN towards a future of intelligent city management.

U.S. Ambassador Lakhdhir emphasized that the grant serves as a tangible representation of the United States’ unwavering support for IKN’s development. She further characterized this project as a pioneering initiative in the realm of smart city construction within Indonesia.

The success of IKN is anticipated to showcase the potential of various technological solutions in shaping a more efficient and sustainable urban landscape.

ANGELINA TIARA PUSPITALOVA | AISHA SAIDRA

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