Sepaku, North Penajam Paser Utara – For the first time in history, the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority held Eid al-Adha prayers in the Central Government Core Area (KIPP) on Friday morning, June 6, 2025. Thousands of people packed the KIPP Mass Center Field starting at 7:00 AM WITA to participate in this historic moment.

One highlight was the presence of the Rector of the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK), Prof. Dr. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc., who was tasked with delivering the inaugural Eid al-Adha sermon. In his sermon, he adopted the theme of “Holy Day, Love, and Care for Others,” a message that resonated warmly amidst the spirit of IKN's development as Indonesia's future city.

A Message from the IKN Pulpit: Eid al-Adha, Palestine, and a United Indonesia

At the beginning of his sermon, Prof. Agus praised Allah SWT and invited the congregation to strengthen their piety, recalling the value of Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice as an example of true love for Allah. However, the sermon also carried a profound humanitarian dimension. Prof. Agus specifically highlighted the suffering of the Palestinian people, who still live under the pressure of occupation and armed conflict.

"The Palestinian people today are not celebrating Eid al-Adha in peace. So let us send our best prayers and help them as fellow believers and fellow human beings," he expressed with deep empathy.

The sermon also touched upon the meaning of Eid al-Adha as an invitation to nurture love, social care, and the spirit of mutual cooperation—values that are key pillars in the development of IKN as an inclusive and sustainable city.

Symbol of Nusantara's Collaboration and Unity

The Eid al-Adha prayer was open to all communities, not only from the IKN region but also from surrounding partner areas. The prayer was led by Ustaz Halim, and the Head of the IKN Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, was also present, showing strong support for the spirit of cross-sectoral togetherness.

In his sermon, Prof. Agus also emphasized the value of diversity as Indonesia's strength. He invited all parties, from various ethnic groups and backgrounds, to unite in building the Nusantara Capital City as a city of love, a smart city, and a city of civilization.

"We are grateful as an Indonesian nation, with various ethnic groups, living in comfort and peace under the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Let's unite to build a lovable and smart Nusantara City for the prosperity of the nation," he said.

Prayer and Sacrifice of Qurban Animals

The IKN Authority, through the Mosque Prosperity Council (DKM), had prepared supporting facilities such as ablution areas in the Mass Center Building and parking at Taman Kusuma Bangsa. After the prayer, the slaughter of qurban animals was carried out at the same location, with a total of 31 cows and 4 goats to be distributed to the communities around IKN.

Alimuddin, Chairman of the IKN Authority DKM, stated that this activity is a tangible form of sincerity and sharing, which are the spirit of Eid al-Adha and the collective development in the Nusantara region.

ITK: Contributing to a Historic Nusantara Moment

The involvement of the ITK Rector in this monumental moment is clear evidence of the university's contribution to building civilization, not only in science and technology but also in shaping the social and spiritual values of the community.

With the spirit of love, piety, and care echoed from the Eid al-Adha pulpit in the heart of IKN, may Nusantara truly become a city of hope, where dignified and civilized progress is born.