Yogyakarta, March 8—The Bala Gadjah Mada Team of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), restored the Miniature Tropical Rainforest of the National Capital City (IKN) by planting 100 endemic Kalimantan trees with students from SMPN 27 Penajam Paser Utara on February 8, 2026.
The land, which is now the IKN’s Central Government Core Area (KIPP), was previously an industrial forest concession area with eucalyptus monocultures. This plant has a short cutting cycle—six to seven years—and is designated for the paper industry.
This area was established as part of the government’s efforts to improve the quality of the forest environment. One way to do this is by replacing these industrial plantations with a diverse forest through the planting of endemic Kalimantan trees. In collaboration with the Deputy for Environment and Natural Resources (DLHSDA) of the IKN Authority, they provided technical support and guidance on suitable tree species for land restoration.
As part of the IKN reforestation efforts, the Bala Gadjah Mada Team, along with SMPN 27 PPU and the Youth Concerned with a Beautiful and Clean Environment (Pepelingasih), planted 100 meranti tree seedlings in the IKN Miniature Tropical Rainforest area. Kholifa Tata Suharta, a member of the Bala Gadjah Mada Team, explained, “Kalimantan endemic trees rarely grow directly in sunlight. So, shade trees are needed to provide shade for the seedlings (Kalimantan endemic trees). We planted the trees between the trees that were about to fall (Eucalyptus trees).” They hope that this program will transform the previously monoculture forest into a proper forest.
This initiative goes beyond planting seedlings; it also serves as an educational tool for SMPN 27 PPU students and the local community about the vital role of tropical rainforests in climate protection. Furthermore, the Bala Gadjah Mada Team is collaborating with Pepelingasih to connect them with the local community, provide access, and share local wisdom. In the future, they will collaborate on monitoring this ecological restoration program after the return of the Bala Gadjah Mada Team.
The development of the New Capital City (IKN) is not just about the physical structure, but also about the city’s sustainability. Kholifa stated that Jakarta’s lifespan is only 400 years. He hopes that concrete steps for ecological restoration can make the IKN much more sustainable and last longer than Jakarta.
In conclusion, the restoration of the Miniature Tropical Rainforest in the IKN is a significant step towards creating a sustainable urban environment. It highlights the importance of integrating ecological considerations into urban planning and development, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier planet.