By Dani Iskandar )*
The development of the Indonesian National Capital (IKN) is not just a matter of moving the center of government from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. This major project is part of a strategic step initiated by President Joko Widodo as a real effort to realize Indonesia’s vision towards more equitable progress. IKN is not only present as a solution to the problems of Jakarta which is currently experiencing overpopulation and congestion, but also reflects a paradigm shift in viewing the future of this country.
In a briefing to Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri) officials, President Joko Widodo emphasized that the IKN is an important symbol of a major transformation that is not only related to the physical relocation of government buildings. This project, according to the President, must be seen as an effort to change the mindset, work culture, and spirit of the Indonesian people in facing future challenges. The IKN is projected to be a reflection of sustainability and innovation that is expected to be the foundation towards the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.
President Joko Widodo also reminded that the development of the IKN is not only about building a new city, but also about a profound transformation in bureaucracy and government. He invited TNI and Polri officials to adopt a more efficient, fast, and responsive mindset in facing increasingly tight global competition. With a per capita income target of 23 thousand USD in 2045, this transformation is expected to be a strong foundation for Indonesia’s long-term progress.
In addition to receiving support from the government, the development of the IKN has also been welcomed positively by the local community, including the Dayak community in East Kalimantan. The General Chairperson of the East Kalimantan Dayak Federation, Dr. H. Syaharie Ja’ang, praised President Joko Widodo’s steps in building the IKN as a major achievement in infrastructure planning in Indonesia. According to him, President Joko Widodo has a far-sighted vision, especially in terms of infrastructure development and long-term planning. Syaharie sees the relocation of the capital city to East Kalimantan as a strategic response to the various problems faced by Jakarta, especially in terms of population density and excessive dependence on one city as the center of government.
For Syaharie, the development of the IKN is also part of an effort to equalize development in Indonesia. He believes that moving the capital city is not just about moving government buildings, but also a change in the way of thinking about economic growth that is no longer centered on Java Island. This change, according to Syaharie, will open up greater opportunities for the development of other regions in Indonesia, especially in East Kalimantan, which has so far received less attention.
The General Chairperson of the Dayak Kutai Banjar Customary Defense Council, Mahtarudin, also gave his views on the IKN development project. He expressed his pride and respect for President Joko Widodo for the decision to make East Kalimantan the location of the new capital city. According to him, the Dayak Kutai Banjar indigenous people greatly appreciate this step, and they feel honored that their province was chosen from among the many provinces in Indonesia. For Mahtarudin, the relocation of the capital city will not only increase the profile of East Kalimantan at the national level, but also have a positive influence on strengthening the cultural identity of indigenous peoples on the international stage.
Furthermore, Mahtarudin appealed to the people of East Kalimantan to fully support the IKN development project. He hopes that the Dayak indigenous people, especially in Kutai Banjar, can make a significant contribution in ensuring the smoothness and sustainability of the IKN project. For him, the selection of East Kalimantan as the nation’s capital is a source of pride and an achievement that has long been desired by the local indigenous people.
Support and appreciation also came from various other parties, one of which was Sidrap Police Chief, AKBP Fantry Taherong. According to Fantry, IKN Nusantara is not just a new location for the center of government, but more than that, it is a symbol of the major changes that are taking place in Indonesia. Fantry expressed his belief that with hard work and dedication from all parties, President Jokowi’s grand vision regarding the development of IKN can be realized. Fantry sees the great potential that IKN has, both in terms of its natural beauty and in terms of infrastructure and planning.
The IKN project is indeed designed as an environmentally friendly and sustainable smart city . By utilizing renewable energy and modern infrastructure, IKN is expected to become a city that is not only the center of government, but also a center for new economic growth that supports environmental sustainability. This is in line with President Jokowi’s grand vision to realize Indonesia Emas 2045, where Indonesia is expected to become one of the countries with the largest economies in the world.
By moving the capital to East Kalimantan, there will be a fairer distribution in terms of infrastructure development, economy, and public welfare throughout Indonesia. IKN is not just a new capital city, but also a symbol of social, economic, and cultural change that reflects a more inclusive and globally competitive Indonesia.
The development of the IKN is one of President Jokowi’s real efforts in building a solid foundation for Indonesia’s future. With careful planning and proper implementation, the IKN will not only become the center of the new government, but also the center of innovation and sustainability that can drive Indonesia to become a developed country in the future. This project is a real step by President Joko Widodo in realizing the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045, where progress, balance, and sustainability are the main pillars of national development.
)* The author is a student at Achmad Yani University
