Empowering Local Communities in the Development of the Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) to Increase Economy in East Kalimantan

The Central Government undertakes the construction of the Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) in East Kalimantan. The development of IKN is based on Law Number 3 of 2022 and Presidential Regulation Number 27 of 2023 concerning the Special Authority of the IKN Authority. The development of IKN is expected to have a positive impact on improving the economy, community welfare, environmental preservation, and the realisation of Indonesia-centricity. However, the negative impacts are the emergence of slums, the exclusion of local communities, and economic disparities in the community. Therefore, local community empowerment is needed to improve the economy, community welfare, realisation of social harmony, and green city tourism in IKN. This article analyses how to empower local communities in the development of IKN in order to realise economic improvement in East Kalimantan. Data were collected from community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, academics, and the community through observations, interviews, and documents related to the form of local community empowerment in the development of IKN in East Kalimantan. The data were analysed qualitatively and studied using social practice theory and hegemony theory with a cultural studies approach. The results of this study show: (1) local community empowerment in the field of education and skills training; (2) local community empowerment in the field of MSME development; (3) local community empowerment in the field of sustainable agriculture development; (4) local community empowerment in the field of green city tourism development; and (5) local community empowerment in the field of customary institution development. This local community empowerment aims to realise the economic improvement of local communities in East Kalimantan. This local community empowerment is expected to create social harmony and green city tourism.