2024 年 12 巻 3 号 p. 118-138
Urban areas directly adjacent to the Nusantara New Capital City of Indonesia (IKN Nusantara) have a major role in supporting and transforming the tertiary needs of new residents. The four buffer areas have different functions and attractions; thus, it is necessary to identify the existence of branding. The objective of this study is to identify the branding positioning and its impact in four peripheral urban areas of Nusantara (BKSP). This study aims to evaluate city branding in BKSP urban area by analyzing the city branding object density and the perception of people as branding agents. The analysis is performed using TOPSIS and kernel density estimation techniques, as previous city branding studies have focused on design ideas. The current central government space and ongoing operations remain the primary focus of the branding strategy, which aims to concentrate the density of branding objects in the four zones. As the access road to IKN Nusantara approaches, Balikpapan, as the nearest commercial and industrial city, is increasingly showing a proliferation of city branding objects in all directions to an unprecedented extent. Residing in urban areas, less than five percent of the population experiences a positive impact on their senses, thinking abilities, and emotions. The difference in the spatial pattern of city branding objects with the spatial plan in each supporting city, as well as the low impression of residents, require local governments to consider this dynamic change. Future studies can compare the experiences of new residents who are affected by the existence of supporting cities.
The relocation of the Nusantara New Capital City of Indonesia (IKN Nusantara) to parts of North Penajam Paser Regency and Kutai Kartanegara Regency (Lampiran, 2022) has significant implications for the functional responsibilities of various areas in East Kalimantan Province. Specifically, Samarinda City serves as the central hub, Balikpapan City as the main driving force, and Kutai Kartanegara Regency and Penajam Paser Utara Regency as integral components of the IKN Nusantara's surrounding area. The urban regions adjacent to IKN Nusantara, specifically the BKSP urban areas (Balikpapan, Kutai Kartanegara, Samarinda, Penajam), will undergo a transitional phase in all aspects, in accordance with the transitional phase taking place at IKN Nusantara as a "hub of requirements." These four emerging urban areas are currently in the process of enhancing their city identity and marketing through city branding, which is a component of the smart city concept (Oliva, Sánchez-Torres et al., 2022). Nevertheless, the current approach to enhancing branding needs a more systematic framework, one which prioritizes value and heavily relies on the physical attributes of the region. Indeed, there is a need to enhance branding efforts during the transition time for the IKN Nusantara region in order to establish a suitable identity as a supporting cluster for IKN Nusantara.
City branding aims at commercializing urban features and has developed into a sophisticated contemporary concept (Oguztimur and Akturan, 2016) to enhance a city's profitability, foster a feeling of urban identity, belonging, and place memory (Fistola, 2011), and mitigate inequality (Venter, Figari et al., 2023). The formation of the city brand object is achieved by the implementation of natural, ordinary community activities (Jordan and Ulimaz, 2019), the establishment of green infrastructure (Ulimaz, M and Jordan, 2020), the maintenance of security levels, and the incorporation of city image elements (Ulimaz, Mega, 2021). Currently, Balikpapan City is mostly known for its role in the oil, gas, and logistics industries. In contrast, Samarinda City is recognized as a historical and energy hub that capitalizes on its physical resources. Nevertheless, branding should be derived not only from local potential but also from the active involvement of the community, entrepreneurs, and investors (Informatika, 2022) because society will offer suggestions, principles, and a sense of local identity (Papanikolaou, Kefala et al., 2022). This idea demonstrates a robust correlation between the societal role and branding policy within an urban setting.
The weakness of Balikpapan City's branding strategy lies in its need for community networking, community strengthening, and network connectivity (Informatika, 2022), This is despite the fact that regional transformation should aim to establish society as a service center (Liu, 2021), integrate infrastructure, encourage citizen participation as ambassadors (Yu and Kim, 2020), and enhance the city's image (Huertas, Moreno et al., 2021), in order to generate public visibility (Ulimaz, M. and Harfadli, 2023). Studies on city branding identification indicate that the variable of people has a substantial impact at the city level (Ulimaz, M, Jordan et al., 2021) and a possible impact at the sub-district level (Pratama and Ulimaz, 2021). Individuals who have higher levels of satisfaction with a service and the associated contact are also more likely to endorse the city (Sim and Miller, 2019). Conversely, if the community is not adequately prepared, it will hinder development and have detrimental consequences (Syafitri, Dewanti et al., 2021). Hence, this study is necessary to enhance the dissemination of city branding over a broader space of influence, serving as a proponent of the Indonesian IKN Nusantara.
City branding, as discussed by Hernandez‐Garcia (2013), is a public policy that seeks to enhance the development of urban areas by promoting new meanings or improving the process of branding strategies. City branding is not regarded as a means of city management but rather as a strategy for projecting a favorable image and enhancing stakeholder perceptions (Luthfi and Widyaningrat, 2018). Branding is widely seen as crucial for attracting potential customers from a specific region (Sukmaraga and Nirwana, 2016) and having the potential to enhance a city's popularity as the most essential resource for a country, city, or area (Kusumastuti, Nurmala et al., 2022). Branding encompasses a government's commitment to delivering the fundamental values of the city brand to clients, encompassing not just practical advantages but also emotional, self-expressive, and social advantages (Raissa, Christy et al., 2021). City branding is a strategic approach that regions, such as cities, use to establish a prominent and well-known position.
Prior to the decision to relocate Indonesia's capital city, the four BKSP urban areas catered to the specific requirements of their different regions. Balikpapan City is a hub for the oil, gas, and manufacturing industries. Samarinda City is the administrative centre of East Kalimantan Province and offers a wide range of commercial services. Kutai Kartanegara is an urban area that supports mining activities, and Penajam Paser Utara is an area that supports agriculture and plantation-based industries throughout the entire production process. Nevertheless, during the coming years, these four urban areas will play a significant role in facilitating the migration of millions of individuals to IKN Nusantara, which needs more physical capacity to meet the community's tertiary requirements. The BKSP urban region will serve a distinct function compared to Jakarta's buffer area as the capital city of Indonesia, which accommodates the overflow of the capital's population. Even so, BKSP will transform into a region exhibiting the initial urban attributes, providing a pleasant living environment for individuals relocating to IKN Nusantara.
The key concept in city branding refers to the arrangement of elements like tourism attraction, buildings, infrastructure, and distinctive features in a city. This arrangement significantly influences the city's branding and character, exploring how a city's physical environment, including landmarks, infrastructure, and natural allure, contributes to the city's character. Past studies on the transfer of IKN Nusantara have primarily examined the provision of physical necessities by supporting cities and their physical and disaster resilience, while other studies examining the branding factor have specifically concentrated on the design of logos and marketing materials. City branding is exclusively derived from a product's presence and its impact on its users. This study aims to examine the similarities and differences between the city branding that existed in BKSP urban areas before the establishment of IKN Nusantara. This study is accomplished by evaluating the density of objects and the impression citizens feel about themselves as branding agents in these cities. These density patterns evolve into symbolic representations of the city's character. Simultaneously, the city branding experience impression delves into the subjective feelings and impressions of individuals as they interact with the city's branding features. Importantly, city perception is not solely based on the physical existence of city branding objects but also on how individuals perceive and understand these elements, thereby shaping their overall image of the city. This understanding empowers researchers to delve deeper into the dynamics of city branding and character.
This article employs the fundamental characteristics of case study research to comprehensively examine the specific unit of analysis within its actual environment. The approach includes a pragmatic and thorough assessment of urban strategy (Zhang, Zhang et al., 2022). To address the problem, the study employed a methodology that integrated a community character approach, the application of big data, and geographical analysis techniques (Boeing, Higgs et al., 2022; Yudono, Afrianto et al., 2023) .
Balikpapan, Kutai Kartanegara, Samarinda, and Penajam Paser Utara (BKSP) urban areas, all of which support the IKN, were the locations of this study. The selection of these four urban areas is based on the specific physical characteristics of each city or regency administration, resulting in the exclusion of specific locations from the study (Table 1). Branding characteristics can be used to delineate the degree of urbanization in the areas under investigation. The goal of Samarinda City is to serve as the primary center for transforming the mining, oil, and gas sectors into a contemporary, eco-friendly, and enduring energy industry. Samarinda also gains advantages from tourism in the East Kalimantan region. By concentrating on exports and imports with its shipping services and logistics centers, Balikpapan is anticipated to emerge as a significant catalyst for economic expansion. This strength will enhance the role of superhubs in facilitating inter-regional trade flows. Tenggarong, located in Kutai Kartanegara, is a popular tourist site that aims to become a regional cultural center by focusing on protecting cultural heritage. It offers several amenities to boost the local economy, including the Mahakam River public area, showcasing the stunning natural beauty formerly vital to the Tenggarong population. Meanwhile, the Penajam urban area, located closest to IKN, serves as the primary veranda and has distinct physical urban features. These four urban areas possess sufficient areas to serve as a foundation for evaluating the distribution pattern of branding objects and extracting branding experiences from people.
| Urban area | Number of districts | Number of urban villages | Total area (Km2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balikpapan | 6 | 30 | 239.97 |
| Kutai Kartanegara (Tenggarong) | 1 | 12 | 270.00 |
| Samarinda | 7 | 30 | 369.63 |
| Penajam Paser Utara (Penajam) | 1 | 19 | 988.44 |
Conducting an extensive investigation enables the researcher to have flexibility in choosing a suitable data collection method for case study research as long as the method is practicable and ethical. In order to conduct a thorough and objective study of a given event, many methods of data gathering are usually used, including questionnaires, surveys, in-depth interviews, and observation. City branding can be assessed from a supply-and-demand perspective (Hultman, Yeboah-Banin et al., 2016). In this study, supply is the pattern of concentration of branding objects, and demand is the perception of residents' experience. Data collection includes all elements related to city branding, including tourism, business, and the city's appearance. Observations were conducted using direct tracing techniques to determine the presence of branding objects and evaluate their utilization by individuals in the research area. Observations of branding objects and interviews were conducted simultaneously on ten weekdays and four weekends in four areas of BKSP to prevent errors in the results due to time differences. Meanwhile, an interview technique was conducted in the research area to gather data on branding experience impressions. The sample size was determined using the Slovin technique based on the population of each city, and then 380 respondents were interviewed to obtain their opinions. A non-probability sampling technique was used to select participants. The sample was deliberately selected based on characteristics such as age, period of residence in the study location, and previous experience living in other cities. The population being studied consists of all sub-district units within four defined urban areas. The respondent sampling location is conducted around the branding object area to strengthen the experience assessed by the respondent.
Data analysis Object density pattern analysis methodThis study used kernel density to analyze the density of city object branding. Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) is a nonparametric method for estimating the probability density function of samples and is used for all nodes in a network, including both network and virtual nodes, to determine the crucial area of the geographical network (Wang, Su et al., 2024). Kernel density shows superior performance over other approaches, especially when there is inhomogeneity in cluster size and density (Vestal, Carlson et al., 2021), which corresponds to the relatively different characteristics of the four BKSP regions.
The basic formula for non-parametric density estimation (Chen, Hu et al., 2022) is:
fh (x) : kernel density, and the greater the value of fh (x) then
the higher the density of branding objects.
n : the number of grids in the research area,
K(ÿ) : kernel function,
Xi : independently distributed observations
X : is the average value of the observations
The interpretation of the KDE results reveals the distribution pattern and density of branding object points obtained from traditional and cyber data processing. The density of branding objects (Table 2) is categorized based on different colors to establish the level of density expressed in units per square map unit. The density value directly affects the identification of the area in the research area. Kernel density calculation summarizes the density distribution surrounding point or line features. Therefore, polygons representing areas with a specific volume (in this case, the number of branded objects) must be converted into points and rasterized.
Table 2. Branding objects classification
| Indicator | Variable | Object Category |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism | Tourism attraction | Natural tourism |
| Artificial tourism | ||
| Cultural tourism | ||
| Tourist event | ||
| Tourism amenity | Accommodation (hotel, motel, cottage, apartment, guesthouse/AirBnB) | |
| Food and beverage (restaurant, coffee shop, snack bar) | ||
| Entertainment venue (bar, disco, karaoke) | ||
| Souvenir / gift shop | ||
| Money changer | ||
| Hospitality | Travel agency / outbound organizer | |
| Clinic/hospital/health facility | ||
| Large-scale religion place | ||
| Translation agency | ||
| Tourist information center | ||
| Business | Trade | Market |
| Shopping center | ||
| Local market place /local government shopping center | ||
| Investment | Investment lounge/dashboard/ regional investment portal | |
| Bank | ||
| Saving and loan cooperative | ||
| Creative industry | Culinary | |
| Craft | ||
| Fashion | ||
| Digital | ||
| City appearance | Landmarks | Important and memorable locations for visitors (landmark) |
| Signages | Unique navigation to the city (signage) | |
| Nodes | City node |
The presence of branding impressions (Table 3) is evaluated utilizing the TOPSIS (Technique for Others Reference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) multi-criteria ranking technique. This method will be employed to categorize regions based on the level of proximity between the number of evaluation criteria and idealization (Zhang, Zhang et al., 2022). The stages of assessing the existence of branding are as follows:
Table 3. Branding experience impression assessment criteria
| Code | Question | Total Score (min – max) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Does the city leave a profound impression on the senses of taste and visuals? |
9 – 45 Strongly agree (5) Agree (4) Neutral (3) Disagree (2) Strongly disagree (1) |
| Q2 | Did the city attract you with its sensory stimuli? | |
| Q3 | Does the city stimulate your emotions and sentiments? | |
| Q4 | Does this city create intense feelings within you? | |
| Q5 | Does this city create strong emotions within you? | |
| Q6 | Do you engage in physical activities and express specific behaviors in this urban area? | |
| Q7 | Does this city offer a tangible and sensory experience for you? | |
| Q8 | Do you spend time in lengthy thinking when you are in this city? | |
| Q9 | Does this city pique your curiosity and enhance your problem-solving abilities? |
The overall score is determined by multiplying the total number of questions by the score selection criterion. The study findings on the density of objects and the impact of branding are then displayed in a map style, allowing for comparisons between different urban areas. Subsequently, the study analyzed the occurrence of city branding in the four regions by looking at density patterns and branding impression patterns.
A total of 1,829 branding objects were identified in the research area, encompassing tourist, business, and city appearance. Clusters of objects are determined by the concentration of activities rather than the center of the urban spatial structure as outlined in the regional spatial plan.
Tourism object distributionThe tourism objects in this study are assessed using criteria such as the geographical spread of tourist attractions, the availability of tourist amenities, and the quality of tourist hospitality. Tourism attractions are assessed based on the distribution of locations, activities, or characteristics that attract people to a specific destination. These attractions may encompass natural, cultural, historical, or artificial elements. The measurement of tourism amenities is based on the availability and provision of facilities and services that improve tourists' overall experience at a particular site. These features encompass natural and artificial elements that enhance visitors' ease, pleasure, and contentment. Tourism hospitality encompasses the services and amenities tourists offer while visiting a particular location. The statistical and spatial distribution of tourism objects in BKSP are displayed in Figure 1.
Statistically, tourism amenities contribute to the majority, ranging from 56% to 78%, with Balikpapan City and Samarinda City being the dominant contributors, accounting for over three-quarters of these objects. Nevertheless, certain destinations in Balikpapan are still in the process of constructing infrastructure and offering activities (Khoriah and Ulimaz, 2023).
The tourism attraction in urban areas of Kutai Kartanegara serves as the primary branding element, contributing up to 10% of the overall distribution. This result correlates with the urban development concept of Tenggarong, Kutai Kartanegara, where the urban region is enriched with cultural history, distinguishing it from other urban areas that do not thrive in tourism. The Penajam urban area, located closest to IKN Nusantara, offers the most significant hotel tourism industry.
Balikpapan City is well-known for its stunning beaches and lively nocturnal entertainment sector. Balikpapan provides a diverse selection of hotels and resorts that cater to various financial capacities and offers abundant amenities, such as state-of-the-art retail complexes, a wide array of restaurants offering both local and international cuisine, and a comprehensive range of transit alternatives. Besides that, Kutai Kartanagara (Tenggarong urban area) is renowned for its cultural legacy, notably the Mulawarman Museum, which exhibits the indigenous history and antiquities of the region. Tenggarong offers a modest selection of good lodging choices. More negligible tourism activities are available for visitors to find. However, the city provides fundamental amenities different from larger towns, offering a glimpse into the local culture and history. In contrast, Samarinda City, while it may not be renowned for its tourism destinations, does possess a few interesting sights. An outstanding location is the Mahakam River, where tourists can take boat trips to explore indigenous culture and see the local fauna. Samarinda provides a variety of hotels, encompassing both economical and moderately priced choices. Guests have the option to secure lodging that provides essential facilities and assistance, while the city offers amenities like dining establishments, markets, and transportation services. Looking at the area nearest to IKN, Penajam is renowned for its pristine natural landscapes; however, due to its small size, the tourism amenities sector may need to be more well-established than in larger urban centers. The city does have has essential facilities such as nearby markets and restaurants, although it may need a more comprehensive range of amenities offered in larger urban centers.
The evaluation of the business entities in this analysis is based on factors such as the extent of trade facilities, investment units, and creative industries across different geographical locations. Trade facilities encompass the physical buildings, amenities, and agencies that facilitate trading commodities and services among enterprises and urban areas. These amenities are crucial for the efficient operation of commercial activity. Investment facilities are establishments that provide assistance and facilitate investment activities. These characteristics encompass tangible and organizational aspects that entice and facilitate enterprises' investment and expansion. The creative industries cover a variety of economic activities that depend on individual creativity, expertise, and ability. These industries have a significant role in fostering cities' cultural and economic advancement.
Penajam urban area has the most significant proportion, 81%, of trade facilities compared to investment and creative industries, based on the distribution of the number of business objects. This result indicates the presence of business objects, although at a basic level. Conversely, Samarinda offers 58% of investment facilities, indicating a high level of commercial activity in this urban region. The availability of creative industry facilities is limited in all urban areas and is appropriately equally developed, particularly in Samarinda and Balikpapan.
Due to its advantageous geographical position, Balikpapan, a prominent city and seaport in East Kalimantan, likely possesses well-developed trade facilities. Samarinda, Balikpapan, Penajam, and Tenggarong offer distinct incentives and facilities to promote domestic and international investments. These factors may encompass financial incentives, optimized regulatory procedures, and infrastructure enhancement. The growth of the creative industry frequently necessitates ideal ecosystems encompassing educational institutions, cultural events, and infrastructure. While larger cities such as Balikpapan and Samarinda are likely to have well-developed creative industries, Penajam and Tenggarong may be witnessing the emergence of similar efforts. The statistical and spatial distribution of business objects in BKSP are displayed in Figure 2.
This analysis evaluates the city's appearance based on factors such as landmarks, signage, and nodes as city image elements. Within urban design and city planning, landmarks, signage, and nodes play a crucial role in shaping a city's visual and operational aspects. Landmarks are conspicuous and easily identifiable elements within an urban area that function as reference points and aids for navigation. They frequently consist of noteworthy monuments, buildings, or natural aspects of historical, cultural, or architectural importance. Signage encompasses the network of signs and visual communication components employed inside a city to transmit information effectively. Examples of such signals include street, directional, informational, and other visual indicators. Nodes are defined as discrete locations or regions within an urban area where various pathways or thoroughfares converge. These can refer to significant junctions, squares, plazas, or any site where individuals naturally congregate or interact.
Moreover, the four urban areas show different distribution patterns when considering the city's appearance. The cities of Penajam and Kutai Kartanegara are characterized by unique signage, nodes that characterize Samarinda, and Balikpapan, which is known for its abundance of landmarks that represent the city. The statistical and spatial distribution of city appearance objects in BKSP are displayed in Figure 3.
The city appearance indicator is classified based on identifiable territorial boundaries, renowned tourism attractions, and distinctive urban and suburban navigation points. Balikpapan is mainly centered around its central district, with five town centers and two unique navigation points in the eastern region. The object appearances in Penajam's urban area are classified as city nodes, which consist of the central plaza and the intersections nearest to the IKN within the urban area. Samarinda City has a more significant number of urban intersection locations than other sub-districts, including the famous intersection. The most vital regions are located in the northern part of Samarinda, mainly two noteworthy landmarks: the Teluk Lerong Samarinda Bridge.
KDE transforms discrete point patterns into smooth, continuous surfaces, offering a more accurate depiction of the spatial distribution of branding objects, including those related to tourism, business, and city appearance. This analysis enables the identification of potential hubs or clusters of interest with greater accuracy. Figure 4 displays the distribution pattern of current city branding objects on the kernel density map. The research findings indicate that the central branding location is occasionally aligned with the primary administrative hub of the city or area where the government service center is situated. The utilization of KDE allowed for a more precise delineation of the critical aspects of urban area branding initiatives, potentially attributed to the geographical dispersion of object presence. The spatial distribution also indicates that regions with a substantial concentration of branding objects are predominantly situated in established urban areas, except for Balikpapan City, where a significant level of business development centered around transit routes leading to IKN Nusantara.
The spatial distribution has evolved into a concentrated pattern characterized by central urban agglomerations and localized clustering (Liang, Ahmad et al., 2024). The appeal of establishing branded object places can be attributed to the natural features of urban areas, such as Balikpapan's coastal location, Samarinda and Tenggarong's proximity to the Mahakam River, and Penajam's proximity to office districts. The proximity to the urban center at the district or city level determines the centrality of branding objects. This fact is due to the concentrated distribution of attractions within a 5-kilometer radius of the urban core at the district level (Liang, Ahmad et al., 2024). The arrangement of branding elements is also closely connected to the hospitality aspects, ensuring the provision of convenient amenities and attractive services for visitors and city residents through infrastructure and facilities. The KDE analysis reveals that the distance between cities and the natural circumstances influences the spatial distribution of tourist attractions.
In Balikpapan urban areas, the geographical distribution can evolve in a manner that does not align with the capital of the urban area, as stated in the spatial and regional plans. The extent and intensity of the population has steadily increased in the northern and western areas. According to Weng, Li et al. (2023), density occasionally has a strong position based on the original strategy. The lack of concentric urban shape in the research area and shifts in transit patterns will spatially impact attractions. According to Abdelhalim (2022), peripheral locations are distinguished by their great accessibility and poor connection, which means that trade and tourist attractions are not significant factors to consider. City branding objects also generate substantial foot traffic in the city centre, primarily in conjunction with commercial operations.
City brand experience impressionThe city brand experience aims to enhance its residents' satisfaction and overall experience, thereby contributing to the city's development. This study examines nine aspects (Table 3) related to urban areas. These aspects include the impact of urban areas on sensory and visual senses, the level of interest urban areas generate when experienced through the five senses, the emotions and sentiments evoked by urban areas, the intensity of emotions (positive or negative) experienced in urban areas, and the role of urban areas as a space for emotional release. Engaging in physical exercise and practicing certain behaviors in urban environments offer tangible experiences, prompt cognitive reflection, and foster curiosity and problem-solving abilities. Figure 5 illustrates the mean number of inquiries for the city brand experience impression.
Penajam City has the highest impression of taste and visual senses. This result is evident from its significantly higher average score than other cities. Penajam and Samarinda are the cities that elicit strong positive or negative emotions and generate feelings and sentiments. They have the highest average score of 3 for being intriguing and engaging through the five senses. Balikpapan, Penajam, and Samarinda, with an average score of 2 to 3, are suitable for individuals seeking to express their emotions, engage in urban physical activities, and have physical experiences. Balikpapan and Samarinda leave a lasting impression on visitors, earning them the highest average score of 3.
Based on Figure 6, areas with a high concentration of branding objects exhibit impression levels that range from low to medium. The existence of a branding object may or may not impact the perception of a city's image, which might be linked to its residents. Particularly in Balikpapan City, where there is a significant density, but a negative perception persists. While various factors may impact individuals' image of the city, a centralized branding item does not contribute. City engagement refers to the strong emotional involvement of citizens, whereas experience is an individual's reaction that is distinct from emotion. According to a previous study by (Yu and Kim, 2020), brand experience includes various dimensions, such as sensory, emotional, and cognitive characteristics. The current state of distributing new branding objects mainly focuses on sensory aspects, while forming an impression of the city branding experience in terms of emotions and cognition still needs to be added. Therefore, only a limited number of significant impressions are present in all urban locations that support IKN Nusantara.
The objective of this research is to figure out the presence of branding and the impact it generates in four peripheral areas of IKN Nusantara, the new capital city of Indonesia: Balikpapan, Kutai Kartanegara, Samarinda, and Penajam. The branding object density pattern in the four areas continues to be centered on the current activities and present-day central office. Balikpapan has initiated the manifestation of branding elements in the most remote direction, nearing the IKN Nusantara access road. Balikpapan City deals with critical investment concerns in a strategic environment, most notably the imperative for additional investment in sectors other than oil and gas (Nugrahaning, Frigate et al., 2023). Conversely, the remaining three cities continue to be observed responding to their current populations. The impact of this outcome is similarly evident in the perceptions of city residents concerning the presence of branding objects.
The density analysis of city branding objects and the analysis of experience impressions indicate a correlation between the pattern of branding in Balikpapan City and the impression of the city branding experience. A location that has a strong inclination to promote the city possesses a substantial number and superior quality of branding objects. As such, the Samarinda urban area exhibits a notable abundance of branding objects, characterized by a strong emphasis on comfort and fostering positive personal relationships. Tenggarong, a highly comfortable urban area, also possesses significant value in terms of object branding. Nevertheless, there is no correlation between factors in the Penajam urban area. The residents of Penajam have the highest impression value compared to other urban regions. The existence and quality of objects in the Penajam urban region did not affect the distribution of branding impressions, unlike in other urban areas, through the existence of branding objects within the Penajam urban region.
As expressed by Zhao and Li (2020), human activities and urban planning have the potential to shape the formation of trade-off relationships between services. City branding is subject to varying degrees of emphasis at different levels, which is impacted by the existing population in the surrounding area. Citizens can appreciate the seamless integration of their way of life with the distinctive attributes of the city, including branding objects. Modern environments which are represented as branding objects are capable of promoting user engagement (Puttilli, 2022). However, the impression of the experience may change over time due to variations in the urban environment. For instance, an attractive and highly esteemed city appearance will attract tourists and investors, ultimately leading to the formation of the city's brand (Abesinghe, Kankanamge et al., 2023). This is due to the negative effect on brand is greater in comparison to identity (Adamus-Matuszyńska, Michnik et al., 2019). A mere 5% of the area elicits strong sensory, cognitive, and affective responses from people living there. Simultaneously, the remaining individuals believe that the city imparts an average impression.
More than half of the surveyed areas perceive the city's impression of experience as having a moderate impact on the indication of sensory engagement, which refers to the collection of sensory experiences and emotions. Intense emotions could encourage individuals to participate in physical activities and behaviors. Participating in urban environment improves cognitive abilities and promotes curiosity and problem-solving skills. From a typical perspective on physical planning, the focus is on suppliers and constructing facilities. In contrast, as stated by Gim, Yang et al. (2019), city branding is customer-oriented, prepared, and proactive. There is a direct relationship between how humans perceive city objects and the spatial characteristics of those things, such as the central area of a square, the depth of space, the level of focus, and the time it takes to navigate them (Rajabi and Shrifian, 2022). The more people move around, the larger the perceived depth of space and the higher the level of concentration. The future expansion of the city may intensify the tendency of urban and environmental challenges. The rapid and uncontrolled growth of cities, leading to the spread of low-density urban development (Al-Rashid, Nadeem et al., 2021), and such characteristics are seen in Penajam and Tenggarong urban area.
Cultural heritage plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable economic development, fostering lively communities, promoting a healthy environment, and facilitating sustainable economic progress (bin Saleh, bin Ghazali et al., 2023), and that potential is provided by the Tenggarong urban area. All study areas must provide an inclusive, safe, and sustainable existence to the community in the present and the future. This can facilitate the promotion of sustainable development in urban and rural areas, as well as the establishment of regional growth engines on a national scale (Rahmoun and Zhao, 2024). Urban evolution in cities has consistent patterns despite variances in size, population, beginning morphology, site terrain, and urban transformation processes (Fezzai, 2024). The study area reveals that the city branding pattern is centralized by distributing existing branding objects formed by natural built-up characteristics and area.
This study shows that the existence of city branding objects, which refer to physical or symbolic elements that represent a city's identity, needs to be aligned with the impressions of residents' experience. The implication of this study is to encourage greater integration of residents as internal stakeholders in achieving successful city branding during the transition period of IKN Nusantara. Residents can contribute to the city's branding strategy in a more active way as the city's identity should be created according to the residents’ identity and strengthen people's attachment, not only designed to attract visitors. Apart from that, the local city governments need to evaluate the dynamic changes resulting from the IKN Nusantara transition issue. City branding planning that does not take into account the existence of a city branding object concentration and the assessment of residents cannot be implemented, as with the previous spatial plan. In fact, these four areas have enormous potential to increase competitiveness and emerge as supporting cities in this transition period.
The city branding objects spatial pattern shows that areas with a high density of branding objects are still located along existing urban activity areas and are developing toward transportation routes to IKN, although they are not the same as the city center content in the spatial plan. The existence of city branding objects may not impact the perception of a city's image, which might be linked to its residents, with low level of experience impression. City branding as a government instrument should enhance sustainable urban development by integrating elements of branding objects (cultural and environmental element) and resident experience impression (society element). Particularly during this transitional period, our research will inspire local city governments to evaluate the existence of their branding through spatial and impression preference assessment instead of relying purely on logo or symbolic marketing to promote their city.
This research offers practical scientific contributions in the field of city branding, directly applicable to support satellite cities in their preparation for the transition period. The research results highlight the need for each supporting area to evaluate its current spatial plan, taking into account the dynamic concentration of branding objects. This evaluation is not solely about population concentration, but also about the pattern of concentration of branding objects and the level of experience expressed regarding the existing city branding status, making the findings highly relevant for urban planners and policymakers.
The research was subject to various limitations due to its expansive geographical setting, which represented an urban area. Consequently, our research focused exclusively on the present tangible branding objects and the preferences of the local population. Moreover, this study was constrained to a site attraction, whereas there are numerous avenues through which event attractions in urban environments could be investigated. However, further investigation into this criterion could provide urban analysts with guidelines for the transition of city branding. Future studies can also compare the experiences of new residents who are affected by the existence of supporting cities.
Conceptualization, M.U. and M.M.H.; methodology, M.U.; software, M.U.; investigation, M.U and E.N.D.; resources, M.U. and E.N.D; data curation, M.M.H.; writing—original draft preparation, M.U.; writing—review and editing, M.U. ; supervision, M.M.H. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of the paper.
We thank the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia for their research grant, Institut Teknologi Kalimantan for their support throughout our research period, and all the surveyors for their cooperation.
