On October 17, 2023, I was involved in documenting Jerhemy Owen’s journey in IKN. This documentation was special because we were not just sightseeing—we were capturing another side of Ibu Kota Nusantara, especially its emerging tourism and environmental potential.
The documentation process began when Owen contacted me via Instagram DM in June 2023, saying he planned to visit IKN. Our conversation continued on WhatsApp, and in October 2023, Owen made the trip to IKN and invited me to help with the documentation. At that time, I was still living in Balikpapan, so I joined Owen and stayed overnight at one of the accommodations in Sepaku. Upon arriving in Sepaku, we immediately visited the Zero Kilometer Point of Nusantara, which at that time was still marked as a Geodetic Point labeled “Titik Nol Nusantara.”
.jpg) |
The next day, Owen and I visited the TPST 1 IKN construction site. There, we met Bule Sampah, who had arrived earlier. After TPST 1, we continued our journey to the Mangrove Mentawir tourism area, where we were welcomed by Mr. Lamale. He explained firsthand about the Mentawir Mangrove Center, which serves not only ecological functions but also economic ones through various derivative products.
.jpg) |
| Sirup Mangrove Mentawir (Poto Dian Rana) |
Before exploring the mangrove area, I tasted the mangrove syrup that had been prepared. It was fresh and sweet. Interestingly, the mangroves here are also processed into coffee, tea, and even cold fertilizer.
After tasting the syrup, we continued our journey through the mangrove area, which offered a lush natural landscape, clear weather, and calming scenery. One of the most memorable moments occurred when our group spotted a large crocodile sunbathing by the river—a reminder that this area still serves as a natural habitat for wildlife.
.jpg) |
| Buaya di Mangrove Mentawir (Poto Dian Rana) |
After exploring the mangrove area, Owen and I walked and talked toward Mr. Lamale’s house. During our conversation, we expressed the hope that IKN’s development would proceed in harmony with environmental preservation and not diminish the existing biodiversity.
.jpg) |
| Goa Batu Tapak Raja (Poto Dian Rana) |
After leaving the mangrove area, I invited Owen to stop by Batu Tapak Raja Cave, even though this location wasn’t part of his planned visit to IKN. However, I felt the site was interesting to document, so I guided Owen to make a brief stop before we returned to Balikpapan.
Upon arriving at Batu Tapak Raja Cave, I immediately brought Owen and the team to the newly built café in the area. Owen, known for his environmental activism, carefully observed the former mining lake, which has now been transformed into a tourist attraction.
After exploring the café and enjoying the views around Tapak Raja Lake, we continued to explore the cave itself. Inside, I shared a brief history of the site. One of the group members, Galuh, expressed her amazement: “I’m really surprised because this used to be a mining area, but with the efforts of the government and local community, it’s now transformed into a beautiful tourist spot,” she said. Galuh had traveled all the way from Bali out of curiosity to see IKN’s tourism potential.
.jpg) |
| Jerhemy Owen di Goa Batu Tapak Raja (Poto Dian Rana) |