The Relocation of the National Capital Supports the Acceleration of Nation Development
Efforts to move the country’s capital will soon be realized. This is intensified to support equal distribution of people’s welfare and accelerate national development.
Jakarta has been the capital of the State of Indonesia for decades. Like a capital that is touted as the center of the nation’s economy. The flow of urbanization is increasing from year to year. Population growth too. As if it were a dream destination, many people emigrated to Jakarta for a better life. However, over the times, Jakarta is no longer capable of accommodating the insistence of humans who do not stop breeding.
Employment that used to be used as a handle is now unable to recruit employees. As a result, unemployment has risen sharply, crime rates seem to be daily consumption. Not to mention the pollution problem. According to a number of surveys, Jakarta has the worst air quality among other cities in Indonesia and the world.
Therefore, the discourse on moving the capital must be supported. Not only will it revitalize the situation for the better. But it will also affect the economic sector, which will be able to boost its growth more rapidly. Based on the survey results of the National Media Survey (Median), 40.7% of respondents agreed with the plan to move the national capital from Jakarta to the City of East Kalimantan. The main reason respondents who support the relocation of the capital city is economic equality, which shows the percentage of 13.5% of respondents.
Around 12.3% of respondents said that moving the capital city is expected to reduce the population density of DKI Jakarta. There were also respondents who just followed the government’s decision as much as 10.7%. The next reason is to unravel the congestion of DKI Jakarta which was chosen by 2.9% of respondents. The 2.7% of respondents reasoned the relocation of the national capital for the sake of change for the better.
Previously, on August 26, 2019, President Joko Widodo officially announced the location of the new capital city candidate. Namely, in parts of North Penajam Paser Regency and parts of Kutai Kartanegara Regency. This decision was the result of a long discussion between the President and his subordinates.
Then why is Kalimantan a matter of consideration? Popular with very large land, the available land is not just any land, but part of the land is owned by the government itself. According to a number of reports, at a location chosen by the government, the state has controlled 180 hectares of land. This will certainly facilitate the process of moving the capital because there is no need to take care of land acquisition procedures.
The second reason is minimal earthquake. According to research by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), in Kalimantan there is no risk of earthquake and tsunami disasters. This factor is considered quite crucial, because as the center of government, damage from natural disasters must be prevented. Both East and Central Kalimantan are considered disaster-safe areas compared to Jakarta, or even Java Island in general. In addition, the disruption of the government’s performance due to the problem of flooding which always becomes seasonal as happened in Jakarta, can also be avoided.
The third reason is, its strategic position. The island of Borneo is in the middle of the islands in Indonesia. This means that coordination for development to the western or eastern regions of Indonesia can run even more effectively. Moreover, related to sending delegations to various regions can also be easier and faster if the location of the central government is more strategic. That is, the cost of official travel to regions may actually be cheaper.
Including delegates from other regions, especially Eastern Indonesia, can easily visit the central government more quickly. At present it is rather difficult to find direct flights, for example from Papua to the Kalimantan area. However, with the movement of the capital, routes from cities in Kalimantan to various regions, even abroad, can be added or opened.
The fourth reason is the most important, namely economic equality. Many parties said that all this time, development seemed to be centered on Java. However, with the removal of the central government, it is expected that development will become more equitable. Which in turn will also result in an even distribution of the population and increase the welfare of the Indonesian people. Moreover, the idea of reducing the burden for the island of Java has also long been launched.
The good news is that opening up new areas can also attract many investors to other islands outside Java. Thus, employment will be increasingly open to other regions. Another hope is that with more and more investors investing outside Java, population mobilization to Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya will be reduced.
It is appropriate for the government to do the best for its citizens. Especially when it comes to equitable welfare. Considering that Indonesia is actually a rich country. It’s just not been optimized as a whole. Hopes for the future with the transfer of the capital, can also support the exploration of natural resources that can be used for mutual benefit, while still preserving its resources. Let’s support the relocation of the capital for a better Indonesia.
)* The author is a social political observer