On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, the Auditorium of Building A at the Institute of Technology of Kalimantan hosted the Compact National Seminar 2024, themed “Transformation of New Cities and Sustainable, Integrative, and Inclusive Coastal Areas.” The event was attended by 217 participants, including leaders and experts in the field of regional planning, as well as several distinguished guests.

The Rector of ITK, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc, opened the seminar by sharing his views on the impact of the development of the National Capital (IKN) on the regional economy. He emphasized that development is not just about infrastructure but also about how policies can promote more equitable economic growth throughout Indonesia, especially in coastal areas like Balikpapan.

Ahmad Muzzakkir, the Acting Mayor of Balikpapan, served as the keynote speaker, discussing the direction of urban development in Balikpapan within the context of the Tri-City agglomeration. In his presentation, he highlighted the importance of developing renewable energy-based industries and environmental protection as keys to addressing the challenges of IKN development.

The seminar also featured several speakers who provided valuable insights:

• Prof. Dr. sc.agr. Iwan Rudiarto, S.T., M.Sc. discussed planning for IKN as an economic growth center, highlighting the challenges of global urbanization and the importance of sustainable development.
• Mia Amalia, S.T., M.Si., Ph.D addressed the sustainable planning of coastal areas, with a vision to create a “World City for All.” She explained the importance of integrating mangrove ecosystems in the spatial planning of IKN.
• Reny Windyawati, S.T., M.Sc (via Zoom) presented on the acceleration of spatial planning in East Kalimantan. She stressed the importance of synchronizing the Spatial Planning Regulation (RTR) to ensure that IKN development proceeds smoothly and sustainably.

The Compact National Seminar 2024 not only served as a platform for knowledge sharing but also as a means to formulate concrete steps in addressing development challenges in coastal areas. With collaboration between the government, academia, and planning experts, it is hoped that innovative and effective policies will be created to support the transformation of inclusive and environmentally friendly new cities.

This event also celebrated the 7th Anniversary of the Astapolis Association, reinforcing the commitment to creating a better future for cities in Indonesia. The transformation advocated is not just for the present but for future generations that are more sustainable and prosperous.