By: Nur Fadilatin *)
The government of President Prabowo Subianto ensures its seriousness in the sustainability of the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan. This ambitious project planned as the new center of government of Indonesia is certain to receive full support, especially in the completion of basic infrastructure as a top priority. This is in line with President Prabowo’s grand vision to create a modern, efficient, and integrated government in the future.
Prabowo’s strong commitment was seen on several occasions, including at a briefing given at the Military Academy, Magelang. Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi, explained that the President is targeting the completion of the IKN’s basic infrastructure in the next three to four years. This infrastructure will include facilities that support the executive, legislative, and judicial functions of government, thus providing access and convenience in running the wheels of government.
As a new center of government, the IKN is planned to have basic infrastructure such as government buildings, highways, clean water networks, and other supporting facilities. The Head of the Housing Task Force, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, emphasized that this project is prioritized for the completion of basic facilities. Hashim said that the government’s commitment remains strong to completing the IKN according to plan, with the main focus on essential infrastructure so that the IKN can function as a center of government.
The government wants to build the city and also ensure that the city has complete facilities that meet standards. The facilities and infrastructure built are expected to be able to support the smooth running of government operations and provide comfort for employees who will later work there. He said that the completeness of this infrastructure is an important requirement so that the relocation of the center of government from Jakarta to East Kalimantan can be carried out without obstacles.
On the other hand, the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) for the 2014-2024 period, Basuki Hadimuljono also played a major role in realizing this project. As a figure who has long handled national infrastructure, Basuki is expected to bring experience and expertise to accelerate the realization of the IKN development.
President Prabowo’s government also focuses on the development of legislative and judicial infrastructure in the IKN. Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), said that the President’s direction emphasized the importance of the IKN as a center of government that supports executive, legislative, and judicial functions so that they can operate completely and efficiently.
The construction of buildings for legislative institutions such as the DPR, MPR, and the Constitutional Court (MK) is expected to be completed in the next few years. This step reflects Prabowo’s determination to build the IKN as an integrated, modern government center that is ready to face future challenges. AHY added that the completion of this infrastructure is in line with Prabowo’s vision to strengthen the government structure, making the IKN a symbol of advanced government.
Deputy for Funding and Investment of the IKN Authority, Agung Wicaksono, emphasized that the number of Letters of Intent (LoI) from domestic and foreign companies for the IKN project continues to increase. In August 2024, it was recorded that there were 472 LoIs that had entered the OIKN, indicating great interest from various parties to support this project. The government plans to collaborate with the private and international sectors in building facilities in the IKN, including transportation networks, renewable energy, and information technology.
On the other hand, Basuki Hadimuljono emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of infrastructure built in the IKN. Basuki emphasized that all infrastructure projects in the IKN must meet sustainability standards and minimal environmental impact. The government hopes that this development can have a positive impact on the growth of the East Kalimantan region, while reducing the burden on Jakarta as the center of government.
The strong commitment of President Prabowo and the support of government officials show that the IKN project is a serious step to build a modern and efficient center of government. The government hopes that the IKN will become a new symbol for Indonesia, reflecting a more structured government that is able to answer the needs of the community in the future.
As part of President Prabowo’s grand vision, the IKN project is not only expected to reduce the burden on Jakarta as the center of government, but also become a new center of growth in eastern Indonesia. The government emphasizes the importance of developing proper infrastructure so that the IKN can function as an independent center of government, make a significant contribution to economic growth, and improve the welfare of the people in the surrounding areas.
The principles of environmental sustainability and social justice will continue to be the main focus in development. Every step will consider the impact on the environment and society. Through collaboration between the government, private sector, and society, the IKN project is expected to be an example of successful development in the future.
The commitment of President Prabowo Subianto’s government to continue the development of the IKN reflects the seriousness in achieving long-term goals for Indonesia. The hope is that this project can lead Indonesia to a more modern, efficient, and equitable future, making the IKN a symbol of the progress of a nation that is ready to compete in the international arena.
*) The author is a researcher from the Fadjar Cipta Karya Institute
