Indonesia is able to bring about change through the relocation of the nation’s capital
The relocation of the nation’s capital city from Java to Kalimantan proves that Indonesia can bring about change, of course in a positive direction. One of the reasons for this relocation of the National Capital is to equalize development, not only in Kalimantan but also throughout the country.
When the nation’s capital city (IKN) was about to be moved from DKI Jakarta to Penajem Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, many were surprised. The reason is because since the pre-independence era, Jakarta, formerly known as Batavia, has become the center of government.
However, the public need not be surprised, because during the old order Bung Karno also wanted to move the capital city to Kalimantan, but the proposal was in Palangkaraya. The reason is because the city is in the middle of Indonesia, so if the capital city is there, the goal is to have justice for the people.
Wandy Tuturong, Main Expert at the Presidential Staff Office, said that moving the nation’s capital would be proof that Indonesia is capable of bringing about change. An example is when there are toll roads in Java and Sumatra, after they are finished, people will only understand the benefits. In a sense, when the capital is moved, they will understand that this transfer is for something positive.
When the nation’s capital is moved to Kalimantan, there will be many positive changes. First, roads in Penajam Paser Utara and its surroundings will be repaired so that community mobility will be facilitated. They can move properly without fear of being blocked by the macadam road.
Second, change is not only in Kalimantan but also throughout Indonesia. When the national capital is in the middle, it will be easier to coordinate and monitor each province. So that each region will feel justice because there is equitable development and the president’s voice is heard.
Meanwhile, Ngabalin from the Presidential Staff Office stated that the relocation of the nation’s capital made development no longer Java-centric. In the past, when the capital was in DKI Jakarta, the majority of the APBN was channeled to Java, but when the capital was in Kalimantan, the APBN would be given there and to all regions in Indonesia.
In a sense, we really want to change from Java centric to Indonesia centric. If you want this country to progress, development should not only be in Java but also in other islands throughout Indonesia, because the government must lead with the principle of justice. Isn’t it also stated in Pancasila, justice for all Indonesian people?
When there is Java-centricity, the only people who benefit from it are those in Java, so they are afraid that there will be more immigrants so that the island will become more crowded. Overcrowding can have many negative consequences, from competition for jobs to increased crime. Therefore, when the capital city is moved, it is time to change for the better and develop other areas, and reduce congestion in Java.
Equitable development must exist in Indonesia and decentralization is not enough. Instead, the government is trying to ensure that every Indonesian citizen gets the same facilities, ranging from public services, health, education, and others. The reason is because every Indonesian people have the same right to live comfortably and progress.
When the national capital is moved, it should not be the subject of controversy. Rest assured that this transfer is intended for us all to move forward, because it removes Java centricity and equalizes development throughout Indonesia. Justice must be realized by moving the country’s capital city, because it will bring many positive impacts.
Ridwan Alamsyah, the author is a contributor to the Press Circle and a Cikini student
