Ergonomics In Developing IKN Indonesia

17 Apr 2023

Ergonomics In Developing IKN Indonesia
By Ai Wa

The Indonesian government has announced plans to relocate the capital of Indonesia from Jakarta to a new location on the island of Borneo, which is referred to as Ibu Kota Negara Indonesia (IKNI) or the new capital city project. The project aims to address the challenges and issues faced by Jakarta, such as congestion, pollution, and sinking land due to over-extraction of groundwater.

The new capital city will be designed as a smart city, incorporating green spaces, water conservation, and sustainable transportation systems, including the incorporation of an ergonomics system to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment. The city will be powered by renewable energy, and the government has pledged to maintain the forest cover in the surrounding areas.

Ergonomics is the science of designing workplaces and equipment to maximize safety, efficiency, and comfort. It involves taking into account the physical and mental capabilities of workers, as well as the tasks they perform, to create a workspace that is safe, healthy, and productive.

IKNI is planned city that will require a significant amount of construction work. Construction workers are at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries due to the manual labor involved in their work. Ergonomics can help reduce the risk of these injuries by designing workspaces and equipment that are safe and comfortable to use.

Additionally, IKNI will require a significant amount of office work, from administrative tasks to high-tech research and development. Ergonomics can help reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries, eye strain, and other health problems that can result from long hours of sitting and computer use.

IKNI is incorporating the principles of ergonomics into its planning in several ways:

  1. Workplace Design

IKNI is designing workspaces that are safe and comfortable to use. One of the key principles of ergonomics in Workplace design is to ensure that workstations are designed to promote proper posture and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. This can involve designing workstations that are adjustable, so that workers can customize their setup to suit their individual needs. This includes designing office chairs, desks, and other furniture that are adjustable to accommodate different body sizes and workstyles, as they can help to reduce strain on the body and prevent fatigue.

Another key aspect of ergonomic workplace design is to ensure that lighting and temperature are optimized for worker comfort and productivity. Proper lighting can help to reduce eye strain and fatigue, while appropriate temperature and ventilation can help to prevent heat stress and ensure that workers are comfortable throughout the day.

  1. Equipment Design

IKNI is designing equipment with the principles of ergonomics in mind. The design of equipment such as tools, machinery, and vehicles can have a significant impact of worker health, safety, and comfort. Ergonomic equipment design involves designing tools and equipment that are easy to use, comfortable to hold, and minimize the risk of injury or strain. This includes the use of anti-vibration features in power tools and ergonomic handles on heavy equipment.

The design of vehicles and transportation infrastructure is also being approached with ergonomics in mind. Roadways and transportation infrastructure are being designed to prioritize pedestrian safety and accessibility, with features such as wide sidewalks and accessible crossings.

  1. Training and Education

IKNI is also placing an emphasis on ergonomics in training and education by providing training and education to workers and supervisors on ergonomics best practices. This includes providing workers with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely and efficiently, as well as raising awareness of the importance of ergonomics in the workplace can help workers to recognize and address potential hazards and risks in their work environment such as proper lifting techniques, correct posture and positioning, stretching exercises, using equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner, and the importance of taking breaks.

Workers who are knowledgeable about  ergonomics are more likely to take steps to prevent injuries and promote safe work practices. This can help to reduce the overall incidence of workplace injuries and illnesses, and improve worker health and well-being.

  1. Risk Assessments

IKNI is conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential ergonomic hazards and take corrective action. This includes assessing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries from repetitive motion or prolonged sitting.

By incorporating ergonomics into its planning, IKNI can achieve several benefits, including:

  1. Increased Productivity

When workers are comfortable and safe, they are more productive. Ergonomics can help eliminate unnecessary movements and reduce the risk of injuries, allowing worker to focus on their tasks.

  1. Improved Employee Health and Wellbeing

Ergonomics can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorder, repetitive stress injuries, and other health problems that can result from long hours of manual labor or office work. This can improve employee health and wellbeing, reducing absenteeism and turnover rates.

  1. Cost Savings

By reducing the risk of injuries, IKNI can save on medical costs, workers: compensation claims, and lost productivity. Additionally, by designing equipment and workspaces that are durable and comfortable, IKNI can reduce the need for costly replacements and repairs.

In conclusion, ergonomics is an essential consideration for the development of IKNI. By designing workspaces and equipment that are safe and comfortable to use, the city can improve productivity, employee health and wellbeing, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, by providing training and education.

References:
Suryadi Jaya Purnama & Chotib. (2022). Jurnal Ekonomi & Kebijakan Publik, 13(2), 155-168

Direktorat Jenderal Industri Manufaktur Kementerian Perindustrian. (2018). Strategi Pengembangan Industri Manufaktur Nasional Berbasis KNI Nusantara. Jakarta.

Suparno, R. (2021). Indonesia’s new capital city: A smart city in the making. OpenGovAsia. https://www.opengovasia.com/indonesias-new-capital-city-a-smart-city-in-the-making/

Aryana, I. K., & Nugraha, M. P. (2019). Analysis of Ergonomic Work Condition on Productivity in Manufacturing Industry. International Journal of Industrial Engineering & Production Research, 30(1), 61-70

Kumar, P., & Kumar, D. (2019). Ergonomic Study and Improvement of Workstations in a Manufacturing Industry: A Case Study. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 14(1), 105-110.