Jakarta, May 31, 2023 — Today marked one of the significant milestones in my journey as a content creator who has consistently documented the development of Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) from the very beginning. On Wednesday (May 31), I was among the official guests invited to the IKN logo launch event at the State Palace in Jakarta. The invitation came directly from the IKN Authority—a meaningful recognition for me as an independent documenter who has been following IKN’s progress since its inception.
That morning, I departed from Balikpapan for Jakarta. Upon arriving at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, I took the time to stop by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) office. There, I met Adit—one of the staff members I often encountered at IKN project sites. This meeting reminded me that throughout my documentation journey, I have built networks and good relationships with many people directly involved in the development process.
By late afternoon, I arrived at a hotel located not far from the State Palace. I prepared myself to attend the state event that was drawing national attention. Wearing a blue-and-black batik shirt and a mask, I went through a fairly strict registration process. I had to surrender my recording devices, as is standard protocol for official state functions.
My presence at the Palace was not only a representation of myself, but also of the thousands of supporters who have followed my journey all this time. I never expected to be invited here. This was not just about me, but also about those who believe in and continue to support my journey.
The logo launch ceremony was solemn, attended by various parties, including community representatives from areas around IKN. I could feel firsthand the spirit of inclusivity that this major project seeks to foster.
After the event, I had the opportunity to attend a dinner hosted by the Head of the IKN Authority, Bambang Susantono. In a warm atmosphere, he personally expressed his appreciation to me:
Today is a historic day for all of us. Thank you for being here.
Hearing those words, I became even more certain that what I have been doing truly matters. I decided to keep the physical invitation from this event as a reminder that every step and effort I have made has not been in vain. I will keep this invitation letter. My journey has been long to reach this point, and I hope it can serve as encouragement for anyone striving along their own path.
As a closing note, I would like to congratulate the winner of the IKN logo design and affirm that my presence at this event is a tangible form of public participation in a national strategic project.
With a consistent, personal, and authentic approach, I will continue striving to be a bridge between the narrative of development and the wider public. I am not merely an observer—I am part of the bigger story of the birth of a new capital city.