The long-awaited moment has arrived as the Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) unveils its new logo, symbolizing a significant milestone in its development. The grand reveal of the logo, themed “Pohon Hayat” or Tree of Life, took place at the prestigious State Palace in Jakarta, where President Joko Widodo personally launched it on Tuesday (May 30, 2023).
This highly anticipated logo was chosen through a rigorous process involving the active participation of the Indonesian people, who were given the opportunity to select their preferred design from five nominations. The selection process spanned from April 4 to May 20, 2023, culminating in an exciting moment of democratic decision-making.
During his address, President Joko Widodo highlighted the significance of the people’s involvement in the selection process, emphasizing that the chosen logo was not his personal choice but rather the result of the collective voice of the nation. With utmost care, he stated, “So, it’s not the President who chooses, be careful, it’s the people who choose, and the number of voters is in the hundreds of thousands, a significant number.”
The voting process witnessed remarkable public engagement, with a staggering total of 500,260 individuals exercising their right to cast their vote. This substantial turnout reflects the immense interest and enthusiasm of the Indonesian populace in shaping the identity of Ibu Kota Nusantara.
People from various provinces across Indonesia, including West Java, East Java, Central Java, DKI Jakarta, Banten, North Sumatra, Bali, East Kalimantan, Yogyakarta Special Region, and South Sulawesi, actively participated in the voting process. This widespread participation signifies the collective aspiration of the nation, transcending geographical boundaries.
President Joko Widodo expressed his hope that the newly unveiled logo would serve as a source of inspiration for IKN to foster a vibrant and thriving environment. He emphasized the symbolism behind the chosen logo, designed by Mas Aulia Akbar, which portrays the Tree of Life. The President expounded, “This tree of life symbolizes vitality, and we all hope that this tree of life logo will inspire IKN to create a new place of life for all of us, becoming the source of life for the entire Indonesian community.”
The grand ceremony not only showcased the logo but also served as a platform for the Head of the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD) Authority, Bambang Susantono, to report on the significance of the public’s participation in the planning and development process of IKN. The involvement of the public in logo selection aligned with President Joko Widodo’s vision of instilling a strong sense of ownership and collective responsibility among the Indonesian people toward the future capital city.
The extensive journey leading up to the logo reveal commenced in September 2022 when the Indonesian Graphic Design Association (ADGI), in collaboration with the NCICD, made a resounding announcement, inviting designers from all corners of the nation to participate. Over 500 designers eagerly answered the call, displaying their talent and creativity. The ADGI Curatorial Council meticulously curated 10 exceptional designers from the pool of applicants, granting them the opportunity to contribute their designs to the emblematic IKN logo.
The selection criteria for the logo designs were guided by a “curatorial corridor” meticulously crafted by the ADGI Curatorial Council. This corridor encompassed the spirit of diversity within unity, the essence of togetherness and ownership, and the resonance of Indonesia’s maritime identity. The designers passionately poured their creative energies into crafting their logos, each striving to capture the essence of Ibu Kota Nusantara.
From the 10 remarkable logo designs, President Joko Widodo personally handpicked the top five, acknowledging their outstanding creativity and relevance to the vision of IKN. Subsequently, an open voting process was initiated, allowing the general public to participate and express their preferences. The online voting took place from April 4 to May 20, 2023, generating immense excitement and widespread engagement.
Throughout the process, a series of roadshows were organized, reaching out to diverse communities, media outlets, and conducting digital presentations and public discussions for the five selected designers. This comprehensive approach aimed to foster transparency, inclusivity, and awareness regarding the logo selection process.
The entire process was supported by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo), Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), and Telkomsel, who played instrumental roles in promoting the five selected logos across their communication networks. Through their collaborative efforts, they aimed to generate widespread awareness and engagement among the Indonesian people.
The talented designer behind the chosen logo, Aulia Akbar, a member of the ADGI Bandung chapter, expressed his profound joy and pride in contributing to the historic development of the new capital city.
He conveyed his aspirations, stating, “It is a distinct honor to be able to contribute to the development of the new capital, which is a momentous occasion for the Indonesian nation. May this visual identity effectively convey the spirit of Nusantara to the entire Indonesian community.”
The newly unveiled logo draws inspiration from the Tree of Life, symbolizing the source of life itself. Its five roots symbolize the essence of Pancasila, the foundational philosophy of Indonesia, while its seven trunks represent the archipelago’s significant islands. The 17 blossoms further amplify the symbolism, representing the eternal spirit of independence.
With the new logo as a guiding beacon, Ibu Kota Nusantara embarks on a transformative journey, embracing its identity and purpose as a vibrant hub of life and prosperity for the Indonesian people.
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