BPS Supports the Development of the New Capital, Nusantara

On Wednesday (June 3), the Chief Statistician of Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, and the Head of the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN), M. Basuki Hadimuljono, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the provision, use, and development of statistical data and information.

The partnership is intended to support the ongoing development and management of Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara. Since construction began in mid-2022, the project has had a positive impact on the social and economic landscape of East Kalimantan—particularly in the districts of Penajam Paser Utara and Kutai Kartanegara. These changes are evident in BPS data, such as increased economic growth and job creation.

“In 2022, East Kalimantan’s economy grew by 4.48 percent, and that figure rose to 6.17 percent in 2024,” Amalia noted. “One of the key drivers has been the rise in construction activity for both buildings and supporting infrastructure in IKN.”

She also emphasized that the effects of this development are especially visible in the two districts where IKN is located.

Penajam Paser Utara saw a dramatic jump in economic growth—from 2.61 percent in 2019 to 14.49 percent in 2022. That growth continued in 2023 and 2024, reaching 29.40 percent and 30.68 percent, respectively.

Kutai Kartanegara experienced a similar trend, with growth rising from 3.92 percent in 2019 to 5.62 percent in 2024. While mining and manufacturing remain the main economic drivers, the capital development has also significantly contributed to the region’s growth.

As part of the MoU’s follow-up, BPS and OIKN will conduct a special population census for the Nusantara Capital City in 2025. This will take place around the same time as the 2025 Intercensal Population Survey (SUPAS). The new census is crucial because IKN has never been officially recorded as a separate area in previous population surveys.

“This collaboration is something we’ve long been waiting for,” said Basuki. “With this initiative, God willing, IKN will finally have primary data to inform policy decisions.” Until now, most of the data used for IKN planning has been secondary.

After the signing ceremony, the Chief Statistician—joined by Acting Deputy for Statistical Methodology and Information Pudji Ismartini, Director of Population and Labor Statistics Ali Said, Head of BPS East Kalimantan Yusniar Juliana, and several senior officials from OIKN—participated in a tree-planting event. They also visited the future Presidential Palace and toured the new apartments for civil servants, some of which are already completed and in use by OIKN staff.