Regarding the relocation of the capital

The government has confirmed that the relocation of the nation's capital to East Kalimantan will still be implemented. The Bill on the Nation's Capital has also been included in the 2021 Prolegnas. The steps appear to be mature. However, how far is the readiness for the relocation of the nation's capital? Why is this agenda important?

The Populi Forum discussed it in a discussion entitled "Regarding the Relocation of the Capital City" on Thursday (8/4/2021), presenting Nirwono Joga (Urban Planning Observer at Trisakti University), Putri Rosalina (Researcher at Kompas Research and Development), and Erwinton Simatupang (Researcher at Populi Center) as speakers.

Puteri Rosalina, Principal Researcher of Kompas Research and Development, began the discussion by presenting several feasibility studies of the area for the relocation of the National Capital City (IKN) in 2024. She. Seeing that there are concerns from various aspects, one of which is the availability of clean water. According to her notes, the availability of water in Kalimantan can be said to be sufficient, but the problem is that most of the water is polluted. In addition, based on the case she raised, there are concerns from local residents, one of whom is the Muluy Tribe, about the existence of customary forests that will be taken over. This fear is based on their experience that some of their forests were taken over by private companies. Another view according to Putri is that even though Jakarta will no longer have the status of IKN, she believes that Jakarta will remain densely populated and still experience several problems as it does now.

Furthermore, Nirwono Joga, an Urban Planning Observer from Trisakti University added that the most important thing at this time is the need to adjust the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) of the Regency/City affected by the IKN development plan. Nirwono explained that the main urgency at this time is because the government does not yet have a clear master plan for the development of the new capital city, so the development plan seems to be still approximate. Apart from that, there is a need for a review, one of which is related to geological conditions. In accordance with direct observations in the field, Nirwono showed that at the location projected as the new capital city point, there was a land subsidence. Of course, this problem is a serious problem that must be resolved immediately with a detailed study. With that, the Smart Green Sustainable concept can be realized in new regional development.

Erwinton Simatupang as a Populi Center Researcher added a problematic picture of the IKN. One of them is the existence of the IKN development which will clearly absorb quite a lot of workers. Based on the study he examined, approximately 500 thousand workers, but the problem is that most of these workers are contract workers who, after the project is completed, where they will go must also be a serious concern. In addition, there will be difficulties in monitoring government performance considering that one of the performance monitors is NGOs and journalists who Erwinton thinks will also have difficulty moving to the new capital city. However, Erwinton also emphasized that the relocation of the new capital city is an opportunity for Jakarta to immediately overcome various problems that are still being felt today.

At the end of the discussion, Erwinton emphasized that it was indeed necessary to move the capital city, but the move also had consequences for the distribution of welfare transfers, so it should not happen that the problems in the old capital city are only sent to the new capital city. In another explanation, Puteri demanded that a review of the transfer process be carried out. For her, a plan must be made first, not physical development, because in the areas targeted for transfer, there are still many people who do not know where their homes will be built the nation's capital city.

In closing, Nirwono Joga explained three important aspects in the plan to develop the nation's capital city. First, it is necessary to ensure what interests are behind the IKN plan. Is it only the president's personal interest or is it the nation's need, because with that it can be seen whether this program will continue or not. Regardless of whether the plan is based on personal or national interests, it is necessary to ensure that this plan can continue even if there is a change in government regime. Second, the master plan must be completed immediately so that Bappenas does not seem hesitant in taking steps, because it appears that the pilot project is not in line with what Bappenas is currently doing. Third, there needs to be continuity with the private sector because according to Nirnowo the government does not yet have the capacity to carry out regional development, especially as a new capital city. In addition, the public needs to be convinced that this plan has a strong foundation to continue, for example, by providing examples of several developments in several cities in Indonesia that have implemented the Smart-Green-Sustainable concept.