Supporting the Relocation of the Capital City as an Effort to Equitable Development
By: Edi Jatmiko) *
The idea of moving the capital in Indonesia seems to be a serious discussion for the government of Joko Widodo-Ma’ruf Amin. The community also supports the planned relocation of the Capital City because it will have a positive impact on the growth of the new economic center and equitable development. DPR Speaker Bambang Soesatyo, gave support to the government related to the plan to move the capital city. Bambang hopes this policy can improve Indonesia’s economy.
He also reminded that the government could involve all parties in reviewing the capital relocation policy. If the study is carried out in depth, he believes that relocating the capital city can provide benefits to the community. The removal of the capital city is also seen as an effort to avoid conflict. Turro Wongkaren as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UI stated, in terms of demographics, East Kalimantan has a higher human growth index compared to South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan, even with other regions in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Association of Indonesian Industrial Estates also supports the government’s plan, this is because Kalimantan Island is a strategic area both geographically and economically. Chairperson of the Association of Indonesian Industrial Estates (HKI) Sanny Iskandar said that the gradual relocation of the capital from Java to Kalimantan would have a positive impact on the growth of the new economic center.
When viewed from the maritime side, Sanny considered that the relocation of the Capital City would grow new port and logistics centers that were in line with the concept of transporting goods through the sea highway that had been pioneered by President Joko Widodo in his administration which had been running for almost 5 years. In terms of socio-political and cultural aspects, Sanny said that the removal of the Capital City could also shift the mindset that had been Javanese-centric oriented to become Indonesia-centric and more oriented towards efforts to maintain the integrity of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
On the occasion of a joint session of the DPR RI and DPD RI, President Joko Widodo not only asked for permission, but also the support of members of the DPR, elders, national leaders and the people of Indonesia to move the capital to Kalimantan. President Joko Widodo also stated that the Capital City was not only a symbol of national identity, but also a representation of the progress of the nation. According to the former Mayor of Surakarta, the transfer of capital was carried out for the sake of the realization of economic equality and justice.
The capital transfer plan is also supported by Bogor Mayor Bima Arya, he hopes that the process of moving the capital city can run smoothly and the community must also welcome the plan with joy. He believes that the decision to relocate the capital city to the island of Kalimantan is not an arbitrary case, because it has been through various studies and careful consideration. Previously, public policy observer from Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) Dr. Slamet Rosyadi considered that moving the country’s capital to other regions could have an impact on economic equality.
Slamet also gave an example, the separation of trade and industrial cities with the nation’s capital will bring a positive impact. Like Australia. Where Canberra, as the nation’s capital, is not a city of commerce or industry. From the beginning Canberra was the center of government administration. It is intended that citizens who need administrative services will experience convenience. No need to bother because of traffic. As a Special Capital Region, Jakarta naturally becomes a strong magnet to attract various activities and people from various other regions to enter Jakarta with various purposes and objectives.
Now Jakarta has become a megapolitan city, all centers of government, business, tourism, culinary and various other activities, all of which are integrated in Jakarta. As a result, Jakarta and its surroundings became very crowded and burdened, so that it became a common sight when Jakartans left for work since finishing Fajr and returned home when it was getting dark.
We also don’t need to worry if the Capital City will Move from Jakarta, even though there will be concerns that Jakarta’s economy will slow down. However, with the economic condition of Jakarta with a large turnover of money, the city of Jakarta is still classified as very strong and independent to sustain its own life.
) * The author is a social political observer
