Building the Digital Bridge: Indonesia and South Korea Join Forces at the 2025 Nusantara Smart City Forum for a Smarter IKN
"Indonesia-South Korea collaboration at Nusantara Smart City Forum 2025: Building smart IKN with Korean tech for sustainable urban growth, jobs, and gr"
In the heart of Indonesia's emerging new capital, a powerful collaboration is taking shape between two nations separated by thousands of kilometers. On December 7, 2025, the Nusantara Smart City Forum (NSCF) 2025 brought together the Authority of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) and South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). Held in the multifunctional office of Coordinating Ministry 3, the event marked a significant step toward transforming IKN into a global model of sustainable urban innovation.
Bambang Susantono's successor, Basuki Hadimuljono—Head of the IKN Authority and Minister of Public Works and Housing—opened the forum with enthusiasm: "IKN is no longer just a plan on paper; it is a living laboratory where innovations are tested in the real world. This collaboration with Korea forms the primary foundation—not only for building infrastructure but for creating a smart ecosystem that drives new economic growth." He presented a traditional Dayak carving from Borneo to Jo Eun Hye, head of the MOLIT delegation, symbolizing deepening ties. In response, Jo stated: "Nusantara means archipelago; similarly, our smart city is a collection of ideas from many sides, united into sustainable strength."
The forum, attended by dozens of experts from both countries, focused on three key pillars: the development of the Smart City Corporation Center (SCCC), smart building protocols, and their economic impacts—all to be implemented across IKN's 256,000-hectare area. Drawing inspiration from Korea's Songdo city, which reduced carbon emissions by 40% through IoT sensors and autonomous transport, IKN aims to adapt these technologies to its tropical context. The recently groundbreaking SCCC will serve as a hub for testing AI in traffic management, flood prediction via big data, and energy-efficient buildings that save up to 30% in power.
Presentations from CJ OliveNetworks and the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Technology (KICT) highlighted plans for blockchain-integrated transparency in budgeting, ultra-fast 5G connectivity, and green roofs that absorb up to 50% of rainwater. Economic projections are promising: 50,000 new digital jobs, Rp100 trillion in private Korean investments (including from Samsung C&T), and US$500 million for pilot projects like EV charging networks.
Jo Eun Hye emphasized upcoming MoUs and knowledge transfer, referencing prior discussions on water purification grants. The initiative aligns with national goals, including net-zero emissions by 2030, and received praise from President Prabowo Subianto in a video message: "IKN is the heart of Golden Indonesia; this collaboration with Korea accelerates its pulse."
While celebrated as a win-win—providing Korea with new markets and Indonesia with future-city blueprints—the partnership has drawn criticism from environmental groups like Walhi, urging inclusivity to ensure local communities are not left behind. In response, authorities announced free digital training for 10,000 youth in Kutai and independent environmental audits, involving indigenous Dayak communities in design processes.
The forum has generated buzz, with #SmartNusantara trending on social media and inspiring participants, including young engineers dreaming of designing smart cities. As prototype lights illuminate the SCCC at dusk, this Korea-Indonesia bridge connects Seoul's neon innovation with Borneo's green heritage—paving the way for a smart, equitable urban future in Nusantara.