Toponymic Approach to Bicycle Lane Naming in Indonesia's New Capital: Merging Local Language and Cultural Heritage

This article examines the role of toponymy in naming bicycle lanes in Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara (IKN), with a focus on preserving and empowering local languages and intangible cultural heritage, particularly among indigenous communities such as the Paser. As IKN aspires to become a smart, green, and cultured city, the promotion of non-fossil fuel transportation, including bicycles, requires thoughtful and culturally sensitive naming practices. However, interdisciplinary studies that combine transportation planning, language, and cultural heritage are still lacking. Using a qualitative approach, this study argues that incorporating local languages and cultural values into the naming of bicycle lanes not only functions as a tool of collective memory but also strengthens local identity and cultural sustainability. Furthermore, this article highlights the importance of balancing local languages with the national language, Bahasa Indonesia, in public toponymy to ensure both cultural representation and national unity. Such integration supports an inclusive urban identity while also recognizing and respecting the diversity of Indonesia's cultural landscape. By embedding local linguistic and cultural elements into the naming system, the physical space of IKN can serve as a living reflection of its people's heritage, positioning the capital not only as an administrative center but also as a beacon of cultural identity and continuity.