IKN Spokesperson Troy Pantouw Passes Away, Contributor to Capital Relocation Project

Troy Harold Yohanes Pantouw, a spokesperson for Indonesia's new capital Nusantara (IKN), has passed away at the age of 58. His body is expected to arrive at his residence in Jakarta on the morning of Sunday (26/7), according to the IKN Authority. Pantouw reportedly passed away on Saturday (25/7) in Nusantara City, East Kalimantan. His body was flown directly to Jakarta after initial handling, medical administration, and final respects were completed at Hermina Hospital IKN on Saturday afternoon. Thomas Umbu Pati Bolodadi, Deputy for Development Control at the IKN Authority, confirmed that the medical team at Hermina Hospital IKN declared Troy deceased at 2:25 PM WITA due to natural causes. He had been rushed to the hospital at 12:45 PM WITA after being found not breathing in his room at Rusun ASN 3 Tower 6. "Initial physical examination showed no suspicious signs. The family stated that the deceased indeed had a history of hypertension and was on regular medication," explained Thomas on Saturday evening. Following the medical confirmation, officials from the IKN Authority accompanied the body's preparation at RS Hermina before it was transported to the airport for the flight to Jakarta. After administrative processes and respects at RS Hermina IKN, Troy Pantouw's body was directly dispatched to Jakarta. The IKN Authority estimates the body will arrive at the funeral home in Jakarta on Sunday morning. Troy's passing leaves a deep sense of grief for the IKN Authority staff. He is remembered as one of the early figures who guided the new chapter of the nation's capital relocation. Alongside Thomas Umbu Pati and Deputy for Environment Myrna Safitri, Troy was appointed to assist the Head of the IKN Authority, Bambang Susantono, when physical development began to accelerate in 2021. In the early days of his service, Troy navigated challenging phases when the IKN area was still industrial forest land (HTI) without building facilities. He and his staff were willing to work from an office in Balikpapan and undertake a two-hour daily land journey to oversee the national strategic project, eventually settling into the ASN IKN residential complex. Meanwhile, CNN Indonesia learned of Troy's passing through their Instagram social media account, @IKN_ID. "Our condolences on the passing of Troy Harold Yohanes Pantaow, Special Staff to the Head of the IKN Authority for Public Communication," read the post on the IKN account. Troy was born on May 8, 1968, and passed away on July 25, 2026 (Note: The original article states July 25, 2026, which is a future date and likely a typo. Assuming it meant July 25, 2024, or the current year). "May he be given the best place by the Almighty God, and may the bereaved family be given fortitude and strength," the IKN account wrote. The account of the Head of the IKN Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, @basukihadimuljono, also posted a similar message. Troy was widely known for his extensive career in the field of communication. He also worked in television media. During the COVID era, he served as the Head of the Public Communication Sub-division of the National COVID-19 Handling Task Force. [Video: CNN]