by: Andika Simangunson)*
The first cabinet meeting in Nusantara is a historic moment for Indonesia. This meeting is not just a routine cabinet meeting, but an important symbol of the nation’s long journey towards a new era of more efficient, modern, and decentralized government. IKN, which has long been planned as Indonesia’s new capital, is now a key witness to the government’s early steps in realizing its great vision of sustainable development, economic degradation, and the strengthening of the nation’s sovereignty.
Minister of Agriculture and Space Administration/Head of the National Farming Agency (ATR/BPN), Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) revealed that he will go to IKN this week. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) intends to convene a cabinet meeting in IKN in order to instil understanding to the ranks of his ministers about the progress of ICT development that is currently under way.
Deputy Department of Protocol, Press and Media of the President’s Secretariat, Yusuf Permana said his party continues to prepare for the first full cabinet sitting in IKN, East Kalimantan on August 12, 2024. Preparations are ongoing from departure to accommodation for ministers and officials as well as ministers. Ministers will stay at the Nusantara Hotel, before attending the full cabinet meeting the next day. He hoped that all ministers of the Maju Cabinet of Indonesia would be able to attend the first full-fledged cabinet sitting in the IKN.
The hearing also reflects the government’s efforts to begin a new phase in government administration. With the full presence of the cabinet in IKN, this hearing is proof that the government is serious about starting the operationalization of various government facilities in the new capital. This moment also demonstrates the readiness of the ICT infrastructure to become a new centre of government, with all the technologies and facilities that support the efficiency of government work. It is an important step in ensuring that the relocation of the capital is not only a burden, but rather a brake point for improved government performance.
In a broader context, this cabinet meeting also shows how ICT is expected to be a catalyst for more equitable development across Indonesia. By moving the capital to Kalimantan, the government seeks to break the centralization and encourage the demolition of development. The inaugural cabinet meeting at IKN became an early symbol of this great effort, marking the beginning of a new era in which Indonesian development was no longer Java-centred, but more inclusive and equitable.
On the previous occasion, Plt. Chief Authority IKN/Minister of Public Works and People’s Housing (PUPR), Basuki Hadimuljono said he had prepared the Garuda Palace and the State Palace as the venue for the cabinet meeting led by President Joko Widodo in IKN, East Kalimantan. Minister Basuki highlighted that for the State Palace, the OIKN prepared four halls or rooms to cover all cabinet ministers.
In addition, the transfer of the capital also requires the support of the entire element of the nation. Although this first cabinet meeting marks an important start, the success of IKN as a new capital depends heavily on the support and active participation of the people, both in Kalimantan and throughout Indonesia. The government must ensure that this transfer of the capital is not only beneficial to a few parties, but really benefits the entire Indonesian people. This requires effective communication and efforts to involve the public in the process of ICT development and operationalization.
From an economic point of view, the cabinet prime minister’s meeting at IKN also sends a positive signal to investors, both domestic and international. ICT is not just a new government hub, it is also expected to be a new economic hub that can attract investment and create jobs. With modern infrastructure and better access, ICT is expected to be a magnet for economic growth in Kalimantan and the surrounding region. This cabinet hearing, with all its symbolism, shows that the government is serious about developing ICTs as a city of the future that serves not only as a centre of government, but also as a center of economic growth.
In conclusion, the cabinet meeting at IKN is more than just a meeting of ministers. It is a symbol of the hope, commitment, and great vision that the government and the entire Indonesian nation have. This moment marks the beginning of a new era in government and national development, with ICT at the heart of all of it. The challenges are huge, but with the strong determination and support of the whole element of society, Indonesia can face the challenge and come out as a winner. The first cabinet meeting at IKN is proof that we are moving towards a better future, with a new capital as a symbol of that hope and vision.
)* The author is a journalist on Quantum Leap Management