By: Awan Putra Ashari )*
The development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan has entered an important stage under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto. This ambitious project, which began in the era of President Joko Widodo, aims to create a new center of government that is not only efficient in managing the country but can also accelerate Indonesia’s economic competitiveness.
The sustainability of the IKN development in the era of President Prabowo Subianto shows the government’s commitment to continuing this project with appropriate adjustments to suit national needs and the available budget.
In the long-term plan, President Prabowo is targeting to start working in the IKN on August 17, 2028, with all executive, legislative, and judiciary, as well as State Civil Apparatus (ASN), moved to the new capital city no later than August 17, 2029.
The plan to move to the IKN was conveyed by the Minister of Public Works (PU), Dody Hanggodo, who explained that despite challenges related to the slowdown in development due to other program priorities, such as food self-sufficiency, his party remains optimistic that the IKN project will be completed according to the established timeline, although there are possible adjustments to the budget and development process.
Meanwhile, if we look at the IKN planning timeline, the construction of the new capital city in East Kalimantan will be carried out in 5 stages until 2045. The construction, which began in the era of President Jokowi, is estimated to require a budget of IDR 466 trillion.
Although the sustainability of the IKN development was doubted after President Prabowo’s inauguration, the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurthi Yudhoyono, explained that President Prabowo remains committed to continuing the project, but with careful adjustments.
The development of the IKN is not the only priority project that needs attention. The government under President Prabowo’s leadership must also pay attention to various other national strategic projects throughout Indonesia, including food self-sufficiency, energy, and improving the quality of life of the community. Adjustments to the budget and efficiency in development will be the main focus so that the IKN project can be continued without neglecting other needs.
The development of the IKN is expected to be the main driver for equitable development throughout Indonesia. Researcher from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bahtiar Rifai, believes that the IKN has the potential to accelerate equitable economic development by reducing dependence on economic centers concentrated in Java.
With the presence of the IKN as a new economic center in the central and eastern regions of Indonesia, it is hoped that better connectivity will be created between regions, reducing transportation costs and accelerating the distribution of goods and services throughout Indonesia.
The development of the IKN can also have a positive impact on economic development outside Java, which has been the government’s main concern in an effort to create more equitable prosperity throughout the country. The IKN is expected to reduce the development gap between Java and other regions by presenting new investment opportunities, creating jobs, and strengthening more efficient connectivity between regions.
However, to ensure the sustainability of this project can be realized optimally, Bahtiar Rifai emphasized the importance of building a business ecosystem that supports economic sustainability in the IKN. The need for basic infrastructure such as energy, food, and other services must be considered carefully. This will create sustainable and profitable economic transactions for all parties involved directly or indirectly in the development of the IKN.
In addition, the establishment of innovation centers and economic agglomerations that can attract investment is also a key to driving the Indonesian economy through the IKN. The government also needs to ensure a harmonious relationship between local communities and immigrants to create a complete and collaborative economic ecosystem.
Thus, the development of the IKN is not only limited to physical infrastructure, but also pays attention to social and economic aspects to realize comprehensive sustainable development.
President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, in a shared vision, are committed to continuing the development of the IKN as part of their priority programs. President Prabowo is optimistic that within the next three years, the IKN will begin functioning as the new capital city.
However, President Prabowo emphasized that the development of the IKN will continue with adjustments that take into account aspects of efficiency, both in terms of budget and project implementation, to ensure smooth development and the sustainability of this project in the future.
Overall, despite the major challenges facing the development of the IKN, such as limited funding and the need to align with other strategic projects, President Prabowo’s commitment to continuing the development of the new capital city is worthy of appreciation.
With careful adjustments to the budget and a focus on economic sustainability, the IKN has the potential to be a major driver for creating better development equity and increasing Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global arena. The government under President Prabowo’s leadership is ready to face these challenges with the right policies to ensure the success of this project in the future.
)* The author is a contributor to Lingkar Pers and Mahasiswa Cikini
