By: David Falih Hansa)*
The Prabowo Subianto government has shown great commitment in preparing the construction of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN). This project is not just a relocation of the center of government, but also an effort to build a new symbol for the future of Indonesia.
With a big target, President Prabowo and his cabinet have designed a detailed plan so that the IKN can fully function as a modern government center. The President is scheduled to start working at the IKN on August 17, 2028, along with all central government civil servants (ASN).
This development stage involves various elements, starting from the completion of ASN housing, executive, legislative, to judicial infrastructure. Not only that, urban ecosystems, such as public facilities and environmentally friendly environments, are also prioritized to ensure the comfort of all residents.
With the support of cross-ministerial coordination, the government has set a tight but realistic timeline. The project reflects Prabowo’s grand vision of creating an efficient, modern and sustainable government center.
Minister of Public Works (PU), Dody Hanggodo, revealed that President Prabowo is targeted to start working in the IKN on August 17, 2028. In fact, if possible, this move could happen sooner. Infrastructure to support executive, legislative, and judicial activities is being prepared gradually but surely.
Dody explained that all ASN who are part of the central government will also move to the new capital city within the specified time. Thus, this major transformation not only touches the physical aspect but also the government system as a whole.
Head of the IKN Authority Agency, Basuki Hadimuljono, provided a clearer picture of how the government is designing two major phases of development in the IKN. The first phase, targeted for completion in 2025, is focused on providing housing for ASN, building government offices, and other basic infrastructure.
In this phase, the urban ecosystem also began to be formed. Restaurants, public service centers, and other supporting facilities began operating to ensure the comfort of the first residents of the IKN. However, Basuki said that the certainty of the ASN transfer in 2025 was still awaiting a decision from the Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform.
The second phase, which is planned to be completed in 2028, focuses more on the development of judicial and legislative infrastructure, including the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, and the DPR/MPR complex. This shows that the government is not only pursuing a physical move, but also wants to ensure that all state institutions have an optimal working environment.
Basuki emphasized that President Prabowo’s direction was very clear, namely to ensure that the entire ecosystem in the IKN can fully support government activities.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), added that the development of the Core Government Center Area (KIPP) in the IKN is a top priority.
AHY ensured that the government’s target is to complete the construction of KIPP in the next four to five years. This step is in line with President Prabowo’s grand vision to make the IKN a symbol of modernization and efficiency in governance.
In addition to government buildings, AHY also emphasized the importance of building supporting facilities such as housing and transportation facilities for ASN and officials who will move. These facilities are expected to not only meet basic needs, but also provide comfort for the first residents. With the environmentally friendly concept being carried, IKN is designed to be a future city that is not only magnificent but also sustainable.
Although designed with a grand vision, a project as big as the development of the IKN is not free from various challenges. Budget readiness, development techniques, and public acceptance of the relocation of the capital are factors that must be managed carefully.
The government is required to be transparent in every step of development and involve various related parties. This approach is important so that the project does not become just a political ambition, but also brings real benefits to all Indonesian people.
In addition, criticisms about the environmental and social impacts of the IKN development must also be answered with concrete solutions. The concept of an environmentally friendly city that is being promoted is expected to answer these concerns. The government is committed to minimizing negative impacts on the local ecosystem by implementing modern technology that supports sustainability.
The development of the IKN truly reflects the courage of the Prabowo Subianto government to think far ahead. Moving the capital city is not just about moving, but also about building a new symbol that represents the nation’s progress. With a mature plan, the development of the IKN has the potential to become one of the milestones in Indonesia’s long journey towards becoming a developed country.
This project also has a strategic dimension in creating equitable development. By moving the center of government to Kalimantan, it is expected that there will be an increase in economic and social activities outside Java. This step is part of a grand strategy to reduce disparities between regions, while strengthening national integration.
The success of the IKN development cannot be achieved without the support of all elements of the nation. Active community participation and the spirit of mutual cooperation are the keys to realizing this grand vision. The government has shown its full commitment through careful planning and proper allocation of resources. Now, it is time for the community to take part in this journey.
With collaboration and hard work, the Indonesian Capital City can be a reflection of our shared ideals for a brighter future. This project is not only a national pride, but also a symbol of our determination as a nation to continue to move forward and adapt to the challenges of the times. Together, we build a new history for future generations.
)* The author is a contributor to Persada Institute