East Kalimantan, sith.itb.ac.id — The Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) is undertaking a significant initiative to support the environmentally oriented development of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara (IKN). Spearheaded by its School of Life Sciences and Technology ITB (SITH), the university is preparing to manage a 129.69-hectare Urban Forest (Rimba Kota) located within the core area of the city. The conservation and education project is currently in the final stages of coordination with the Nusantara Capital Authority.

Prof. Endah Sulistyawati with Members of the ITB Urban Forest Task Force.

Prof. Endah Sulistyawati, a senior academic at SITH and Head of the ITB Task Force for the initiative, articulated the broader vision underpinning the project: “The ITB forest in IKN is envisioned not merely as a green open space, but as a center of innovation and learning that reinforces the spirit of the tridharma of higher education.”

The initiative represents a multidisciplinary collaboration involving several ITB faculties, including Architecture, Earth Sciences, and Electrical Engineering. Nevertheless, SITH plays a pivotal role in shaping the ecological direction of the forest’s development. The task force has commenced preliminary assessments employing life-science-based methodologies, including drone-assisted surveys and comprehensive environmental mapping.

Initial findings, guided extensively by bioscience expertise, indicate that the predominantly eucalyptus forest harbors considerable biodiversity. The team has documented 42 plant species and 40 bird species, including several protected taxa and species endemic to Kalimantan.

Avifaunal Survey Activities Conducted in IKN as Part of the Urban Forest Initiative.

On-Site Field Survey Activities in IKN as Part of the Research Initiative.

Building upon these findings, the Urban Forest is envisioned as a “Knowledge Hub” dedicated to green technology and sustainable natural resource management. SITH’s scientific leadership is reflected in the proposed programs, which position the forest as an open-air classroom and living laboratory for both national and international students. The site is also planned to host community-oriented initiatives grounded in life sciences, such as sustainable agroforestry systems, environmentally responsible aquaculture, and the integration of smart forest technologies.

To ensure that the project generates tangible local benefits, the task force has actively engaged with surrounding communities. SITH experts will collaborate with local Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) to strengthen agricultural and aquaculture practices, and partner with a vocational high school in Penajam Paser Utara to provide training in smart forestry systems. Close coordination with the Nusantara Capital Authority remains central to the realization of these programs.

Consultative Meeting with Key Stakeholders.

“ITB also welcomes broad-based collaboration with diverse stakeholders to support research infrastructure development and large-scale tree planting initiatives for forest restoration within IKN,” Prof. Endah added.

Guided by its life sciences expertise, ITB’s stewardship of the Urban Forest represents a concrete contribution toward realizing IKN’s long-term vision as a sustainable and ecologically integrated “Forest City.”

Reporter: Aura Salsabila Alviona (Biotechnology, Class of 2025)

Editor: Anca Awal Sembada, PhD