By: Risma Kusumawati*(
Indonesia’s move to move the nation’s capital from Jakarta to the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan is a monumental breakthrough that is projected not only as an effort for physical development, but also as a strategy for equalizing welfare for all Indonesian people. This commitment is evident in the synergy between the central and regional governments, especially with the appointment of East Kalimantan as the new location for the capital city. Not just an effort to move the center of government, the development of the IKN emphasizes the ambition to overcome the disparity in development between regions that has so far been centered on the island of Java.
As a concrete step, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo emphasized that the development of the IKN will continue in line with the government’s priority of building infrastructure in the next four years. President Prabowo Subianto’s direction emphasizing the importance of infrastructure has made the Ministry of Public Works (PU) work together with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in supporting sustainable development. This focus shows that although the physical development of the IKN is a long-term target, the government is also committed to ensuring environmental sustainability and wise management of natural resources for the welfare of future generations.
As a large-scale development project, the IKN is expected to not only be present as a new center of government, but also a symbol of the inclusive and democratic face of Indonesia. The General Chairperson of the Joint Forum for Indonesian Capital (Forsa IKN), Dr. Ariasa Hadibroto Supit, emphasized the importance of transparency, participation, and sustainability in every step of the IKN development. These values are believed to be the basis of Indonesia’s new identity in the new capital city.
As a party that plays a role in bridging the government and society, Forsa IKN hopes that all elements of society will be actively involved in this project. Ariasa stated that the IKN Project is not just a physical project, but a symbol of a new, democratic and inclusive civilization for all Indonesian people. With a forum that facilitates community participation in every aspect of development, it is hoped that the community will not only see, but also have the IKN as a symbol of a new national identity. This approach is important so that development is not only understood as a government activity, but also a joint effort to realize a better, more equitable, and just Indonesia.
The development of the IKN in East Kalimantan is a blessing for the local community, who now have a greater opportunity to experience accelerated economic transformation. The Director General of Regional Autonomy of the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized that the IKN can be maximized by the provincial and district/city governments that act as buffer areas to support economic transformation in the East Kalimantan region. According to him, the IKN can be utilized by the East Kalimantan Provincial Government together with the district/city governments to encourage accelerated economic transformation in the region.
With the presence of the IKN, East Kalimantan can take advantage of various economic potentials that were previously neglected. Infrastructure development in this area will trigger local economic growth and improve the standard of living of the local community. Buffer areas such as Balikpapan and Samarinda will also benefit from increased demand for local services and products, which will encourage the strengthening of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Through improved infrastructure, better transportation access, and strengthening local economic capacity, the people of East Kalimantan will enjoy the equal distribution of welfare that is the goal of the relocation of the capital city.
However, a project of this magnitude is certainly not without challenges. Sustainability of development, environmental impacts, and potential social conflict are some of the issues that need attention. Therefore, the sustainability of the development of the IKN must be planned carefully, taking into account environmental and social aspects in order to create a balance between development and preservation of natural resources. Community participation in development is also important, so that their aspirations can be taken into consideration in every policy taken.
In addition, the government needs to maintain transparency in every stage of development. This is important so that the public can follow the development of the project and support every decision taken. Dr. Ariasa said that community involvement can strengthen the success of this project, because with strong public support, the government can move more steadily in carrying out the development of the IKN.
The development of the Indonesian Capital City is a big dream that not only aims to move the center of government, but also to create equal prosperity for all Indonesian people. With strong synergy between the central and regional governments, as well as active participation from the community, the IKN is expected to become a modern, inclusive, and sustainable center of government. This project is a real effort to overcome the disparity in development between regions, and to realize a just, prosperous, and competitive Indonesia on the global stage.
Therefore, let us support the government in accelerating the development of the IKN, in order to achieve equal welfare and progress for all Indonesian people. With harmonious collaboration between all parties, we all have a role in building a better future for Indonesia.
)* The author is a lecturer in economics at a private university in Jakarta.