The Importance of Upholding Ethics and Human Rights in the Development of Nusantara
Economic development in Indonesia is frequently prioritized by the government to enhance the welfare of its citizens and propel the country forward.
BYALYSSA AURELIA PRIMAYULITA
JULY 26, 2024
Economic development in Indonesia is frequently prioritized by the government to enhance the welfare of its citizens and propel the country forward. One of the most ambitious projects in the nation’s history is the ongoing relocation of the capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. The objective of the new capital, Nusantara, is to foster equality across various fields, such as the economy, population distribution, and overall development (Kementerian Sekretariat Negara RI, 2024), paving the way for a prosperous future for Indonesia or Indonesia Emas 2045 (Cakti, 2024). Unfortunately, the project is not without its controversies, primarily due to concerns about human rights (Journalist IBP, 2023). It occurs to me that the development of Nusantara, the new capital city, must be carried out with a commitment to upholding human rights. Here are three key points that support this view: First, the project risks igniting conflicts with indigenous communities who feel their rights are being trampled by the government. Second, adopting a rights-based approach in this development is crucial to guarantee the protection of individual rights, social justice, sustainability, legal compliance, and broader public acceptance. Third, both the state and the companies involved have a moral and legal duty to ensure that the development of Nusantara does not infringe upon human rights.
- Conflicts Between the Nusantara Project and Local Communities in East Kalimantan
Indigenous communities have voiced concerns about feeling intimidated, lacking official recognition, and not having sufficient access to information about the Nusantara projects. In contrast, the government asserts that the entire Nusantara development process is detailed in a master plan that includes comprehensive data such as land tenure. The government seems to regard the land designated for Nusantara as unclaimed, despite the fact that 51 indigenous communities will be affected by the project, 17 of which are in North Penajam Paser (Sucahyo, 2023).
The Balik and Paser tribes, indigenous communities in the Nusantara area, appear to be marginalized and compelled to begin new lives outside the Nusantara zone. Furthermore, the compensation process is conducted on an individual basis, which prevents residents from discussing and uniting to collectively advocate for their rights (Widadio & Budhi, 2024). According to Prof. Dr. Musta’in, an expert in Development Sociology at Airlangga University, relocating traditional villages is far more than a mere transaction. This process involves the historical background, existence, and identity of indigenous peoples. In the Nusantara development area, cultural, economic, geographical, and religious values are deeply intertwined, forming an essential part of the indigenous communities’ lives (UNAIR News, 2024).
Furthermore, the development of the new capital city in East Kalimantan has the potential to cause environmental damage and impact the human rights of local communities. According to the Authority of Nusantara New Capital City, the development of this city will prioritize the concept of a green city, for instance by creating environmentally friendly buildings and implementing circular water management systems and district cooling to achieve high efficiency and energy conservation (whatawonderfulworld.com, 2023). However, large-scale infrastructure projects like roads and housing developments can lead to deforestation and the destruction of habitats for numerous species of flora and fauna across Kalimantan. For example, Balikpapan Bay, home to 17,000 hectares of mangrove forest and the habitat of proboscis monkeys, also supports the livelihoods of 12,000 fishing families (Gokkon, 2023). Thus, the development initiatives associated with the new capital city pose a significant threat to the environment, despite government assurances of implementing a green city concept. Such environmental degradation not only disrupts ecosystems but also adversely affects the livelihoods of local communities who rely on forests and other natural resources. The right to a healthy environment is a fundamental human right, and unchecked environmental harm can jeopardize the long-term welfare of society.
Additionally, development that neglects the socio-economic impacts on local communities can exacerbate inequality and perpetuate injustice. Large-scale population relocations can disrupt established social networks, as individuals require time and support to build new connections and trust in their new surroundings (Farida, 2021). The influx of immigrants will inevitably transform the social and cultural landscape around the new government center, with both positive and negative potential outcomes. On one hand, cultural interactions can foster a more diverse and inclusive society. On the other hand, cultural differences may lead to tension and miscommunication, exacerbating social divisions. Additionally, an increasing population can heighten competition for resources such as jobs and housing, potentially leading to social unrest and higher crime rates (Syaban & Appiah-Opoku, 2023). Consequently, it is crucial that the development of Nusantara not only focuses on physical infrastructure but also addresses the social and economic impacts on local communities.
- The Necessity of a Human Rights-Based Approach for Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Nusantara
According to Peter Uvin in his article entitled “From the right to development to the rights-based approach: how ‘human rights’ entered development” (2007) which emphasized the importance of respecting and fulfilling the value of human rights in every process of development, involving inclusive participation, accountability, and transparency, particularly for the vulnerable groups such as indigenous people and the poor. All parties must be provided with complete information and security guarantee. Therefore, the stakeholders must ensure that locals, especially indigenous communities, are involved actively in the planning and implementation of development projects, so that they are not only beneficiaries but also the main actor in that process.
Rights-based approach also can encourage better environment protection. For instance, in the infrastructure development of Nusantara, the government and companies involved can do a collaboration to ensure that these projects do not damage the environment and uphold the rights of local communities. The implementation of eco-friendly technologies and sustainable development practices can mitigate the adverse effects on the environment (Febry, Akdom, & Seigneret, 2023). Involving communities in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects ensures that they derive economic benefits while safeguarding their environment. This approach fosters sustainable economic growth and enhances the overall welfare of society.
Moreover, a rights-based approach can mitigate social and economic inequalities in Indonesia. For instance, increasing access to education and healthcare for all societal levels around IKN, irrespective of gender, can foster equity. Higher education, in particular, can provide equal career development opportunities for both men and women (Soesilowati & Salim, 2009). This in turn can enable the government to create a strong foundation by increasing productivity and innovation for long-term sustainable economic growth. Thus, a rights-based approach is not only ethical but also pragmatic from the perspective of development effectiveness.
- Moral and Legal Responsibilities in Ensuring Human Rights in Nusantara Development
Indonesian government have the obligation to protect its people human rights, including in the context of development. This can be done by establishing and enforcing regulations that ensure that development projects are carried out in an ethical and responsible manner without endangering affected communities.
Providing Free, Prior, Informed, Consent (FPIC) to indigenous people by the government is essential to ensure that they have a role in decisions that affect their lives, culture and environment. FPIC is a special right recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and is in line with their universal right to self-determination. FPIC ensures that indigenous peoples receive full information and give free and informed consent before a project begins, enabling them to be involved in every stage of a project that affects their territory (FAO, n.d.). This principle emphasizes the importance of collective consent from the entire indigenous community, not just representatives. Ensuring respect for human rights in Nusantara development is not only a matter of legal compliance, but also building trust and harmonious relations with local communities. This supports the long-term success of projects and ensures development benefits are shared equally, making it an ethical and pragmatic approach to development effectiveness.
Companies involved in Nusantara development have a responsibility to comply with the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and human rights, including the rights of indigenous peoples. CSR covers environmental, human rights and health and safety issues (Global Risk Profile, n.d.), which must be integrated into the company’s daily business practices, especially in the Nusantara development process. This requires companies to conduct careful risk assessments to identify, prevent and address negative impacts of their operations on these rights, including environmental protection and fair treatment of workers. Thus, ensuring that CSR principles and human rights are respected in Nusantara development is not only about legal compliance, but also about maintaining sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with indigenous communities and other stakeholders.
Conclusion
These three arguments highlight that unethical development practices in Nusantara can lead to human rights violations. Employing a rights-based approach can facilitate sustainable and inclusive growth. Both nations and corporations bear the responsibility to guarantee ethical development. These principles underscore the critical need to incorporate ethics and human rights into the economic development process. Based on Amartya Sen’s opinion, development is an effort to create options for society. Development should reflect independence and freedom. According to him, freedom is not only the goal of development, but also the way to carry out development itself. Parameters such as GDP or per capita income account for only a small part of the concept of freedom. Freedom means when every individual has real choices in his life. If a person does not have a choice in managing his life, then his freedom is limited. Therefore, the integration of ethics and human rights in economic development is an important step to achieve sustainable and inclusive prosperity for all Indonesian citizens. The development of Nusantara as one of the historic projects in Indonesia must be an example of how development can be carried out by respecting human rights and maintaining environmental sustainability. In this way, Nusantara will not only be a symbol of physical progress, but will also reflect moral and social progress for Indonesia.
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