Balikpapan, June 19, 2025 – The Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK), a pivotal higher education institution in East Kalimantan, is facing significant challenges regarding accessibility and land availability to support its growth. In response, ITK attended a meeting initiated by the Regional Development Planning, Research, and Development Agency (BAPPEDA) to follow up on ITK's previous discussions with relevant agencies regarding the construction of road access and gates.

ITK was represented by the Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and General Affairs, Ir. Khakim Ghozali, M.MT, and the Head of the Academic and General Bureau, Yuspian, S.Sos., M.I.R, along with other ITK delegates. BAPPEDA also invited the Head of the Balikpapan City Land and Spatial Planning Office, the Head of the Balikpapan City Finance and Regional Assets Agency, and the Head of the Balikpapan City Public Works Office.

Road Access Conditions and Short-Term Challenges

Currently, road access to ITK, particularly around kilometer 15, is severely limited. This condition not only hinders the daily mobility of the academic community but also raises concerns about the student capacity, which is currently estimated to accommodate a maximum of 8,000 students. ITK has conveyed this urgency to the Balikpapan City Government (via BAPPEDA), requesting assistance for road improvements at KM 15 as a short-term solution. Additionally, public street lighting at KM 15 is an urgent priority due to the lack of adequate lighting, which impedes nighttime activities and poses potential safety risks.

ITK also proposed improvements to the intersection at KM 15 to better demarcate the presence of three major institutions in the area: ITK, the Balikpapan Botanical Garden, and Pertamina. Proposals for the construction of a main gate have been submitted, with the primary option at KM 13 and a secondary option at KM 15. The KM 15 option potentially could become a shared gate, given that this road access is also used for the Botanical Garden and Pertamina.

Land Acquisition Obstacles and ITK's Hopes

ITK's development heavily relies on the land acquisition of 310 hectares, which was previously promised by the Provincial Government. However, this land acquisition process is still in the preparation phase. A major obstacle is the significant increase in land prices, primarily because the targeted land is near toll road access. The initial plan to acquire 60 hectares of land is now deemed too expensive, necessitating a re-evaluation to find a more feasible final solution.

This land issue also involves PLN's obligation to replace approximately 60 hectares of provincial government land in the first phase, and 157 hectares that fall under the responsibility of the City Government for acquisition. ITK earnestly hopes that the Balikpapan City Government can accelerate this land acquisition process, which would greatly facilitate the planning and execution of ITK's road access and gate construction.

Urgent and Long-Term Steps

In summary, ITK has put forth several urgent requests to the Balikpapan City Government:

• Short-Term:
  • Acquisition of plot land in the PLN area.
  • Provision of public street lighting at KM 15.
  • Improvement of the intersection at KM 15 to reinforce the identification of the three major institutions (Botanical Garden, ITK, and Pertamina).
• Long-Term Planning:
  • Construction of the main gate at KM 13 or the secondary option at KM 15 (potential shared gate).
  • Completion of the promised land acquisition to support comprehensive campus infrastructure development.

Improving access and completing land acquisition are not only crucial for ITK's physical development but also fundamental to ensuring the quality of education, research, and community service. With adequate infrastructure, ITK can continue to play an active role in cultivating excellent human resources and driving innovation for the progress of East Kalimantan and Indonesia.