The plan to relocate the capital city has actually been around for a long time, but it seems that this is the first time the Indonesian government has dared to take a stand and act to move the Indonesian capital from DKI Jakarta to East Kalimantan Province. The plan is also very likely to be realized in line with Jakarta’s increasingly heavy burden and the need for equitable development.
The Capital Transfer Plan has existed since the era of President Soekarno, so the removal of the Capital City is a long-standing ideals of the nation’s founders. Of course, this great intention has been thought carefully by the government.
But at that time there were things that made Sukarno postpone his plan, at which time Indonesia was offered to host the Asian Games so that it was impossible for such an event to be held in the New Capital City, so the plan to move the Capital was abandoned.
One of the considerations of moving the capital city is the aspect of separating government administration from industrialization.
The Indonesian state must have the courage to fight for the ideals of the nation’s founders, one of which is by relocating the capital city, hoping that this will reduce pollution and population density at one point.
At present the population in the Jakarta Capital City is around 10 million, which is considered quite alarming on the condition of Java Island. Even 60 percent of Indonesia’s population is on the island of Java, one of the effects is that people are starting to lack clean water.
In addition to issues related to the separation of administration and location of industrialization, Jakarta is also considered to be on the path of an earthquake.
Meanwhile President Joko Widodo has yet to be able to decide on the leader of the new Capital Authority Agency even though he has received many candidate proposals. He also revealed the conditions to be the head of the authority agency.
Jokowi said that it was a heavy class because it involved financial problems, especially global finance, but also understood about urban planning, about urban planning and having an international network.
Jokowi said, to facilitate Indonesia in conducting various collaborations, the government had invited three international figures as the steering council for the development of the new nation’s capital.
The three are Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Former British prime minister Tony Blair. The steering committee is considered a figure that has a good reputation on the international scene.
The selection of these figures is expected to build trust from the international world. With the building of trust, Indonesia will be able to make various collaborations easier.
Jokowi also claimed that the directors would not be given wages or salaries. Because Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed alone already has assets worth USD 1.4 trillion.
Although not given wages, Jokowi said that they will get the highest award. Because it has built a new history of moving the capital.
Meanwhile, with regard to the new form of government of the Capital City, it is most likely still under the Province of East Kalimantan. However, Jokowi said that this could still change in discussions at the DPR.
In terms of electricity readiness, PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) is preparing a scheme to illuminate the New Capital City in East Kalimantan. One of them, the red plate company will use the best smart meter in the world.
Deputy Director of PT PLN, Darmawan Prasodjo said, PLN had collaborated with the National Planning and Development Agency (Bappenas) and local government to use the best electricity energy.
In addition to using smart meters, his party is also preparing energy schemes for vehicles through the Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU). This technology is not only reliable but also the best in the world.
On the previous occasion, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) estimated the electricity needs of the new capital in Penajam Paser Utara-Kutai Kartanegara would require an additional generating capacity of around 1,555 MW to supply electricity in the region.
While data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources estimates that the total needs of the new capital city will reach 1,196 MW.
President Jokowi’s plan to move the capital city will certainly be a positive thing so it should be supported and appreciated. We hope that the proposal regarding the relocation of the Capital City can be realized in accordance with the scheduled time.
Rahmat Siregar, The writer is a social political observer