Jakarta Becomes Special Region: Indonesia Moves Capital to Nusantara
Indonesia’s parliament passed a bill on November 19, making Jakarta a special region. The decision follows the move of the capital city to Nusantara.
Deputy Speaker Adies Kadir led the session in Jakarta, confirming Jakarta’s new status. He stated that Jakarta is no longer the capital and is now classified as a special region.
The capital has relocated from Jakarta, which is on Java island, to Nusantara in East Kalimantan Province. Nusantara is currently under construction, with civil servants scheduled to move in early 2025.
What are the expected changes in Jakarta’s governance following its redesignation as a special region?
Interview with Dr. Siti Rahmawati, Urban Development Specialist
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Siti. Indonesia’s parliament recently passed a bill redesignating Jakarta as a special region following the capital’s relocation to Nusantara. What are the implications of this move for Jakarta’s infrastructure and governance?
Dr. Siti Rahmawati: Thank you for having me. The designation of Jakarta as a special region marks a significant shift in how the city will be governed. While the current infrastructure will remain, the challenge lies in its management. As the city transitions away from being the capital, we can expect potential changes in budget allocations and administrative focus, allowing Jakarta to address its overcrowding and traffic issues more effectively.
News Directory 3: Former President Joko Widodo mentioned overcrowding and traffic as key reasons for the relocation. Do you believe moving the capital will truly alleviate these issues in Jakarta?
Dr. Siti Rahmawati: Relocating the capital to Nusantara should, in theory, alleviate some pressure on Jakarta. However, the effectiveness of the move will depend on how well Nusantara is designed and planned. If Nusantara can be developed as a smart city with efficient transport and housing plans, it could help redistribute populations over time. Nevertheless, Jakarta’s systemic issues will still need immediate solutions regardless of the capital’s status.
News Directory 3: Indonesian Home Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian stated that Jakarta will retain its status as a hub for economic and cultural activities. How do you see this evolving in light of Jakarta’s new designation?
Dr. Siti Rahmawati: It’s crucial for Jakarta to maintain its economic and cultural significance, especially since the majority of the population and wealth is concentrated here. Being a special region may provide Jakarta with more autonomy to innovate and promote local policies that encourage development. However, it also requires rigorous planning to enhance its infrastructure and services to support its ongoing role as a key economic player.
News Directory 3: What should the government prioritize during the transition period to ensure Jakarta’s continued growth and sustainability?
Dr. Siti Rahmawati: The government should prioritize investments in sustainable urban planning and transportation systems. Upgrading public transportation and reducing reliance on cars can significantly mitigate traffic congestion. Additionally, focusing on smart city technologies can improve infrastructure and service delivery. Furthermore, ensuring the socio-economic inclusion of Jakarta’s diverse population in these plans is essential for a balanced development that can sustain long-term growth.
News Directory 3: what are the potential risks of this transition for both Jakarta and Nusantara?
Dr. Siti Rahmawati: One risk is the potential for economic disparity between Jakarta and Nusantara if resources are misallocated during this transition. If Jakarta loses its financial support or investment focus, it could lead to urban decay. For Nusantara, there’s a risk of becoming a ghost city if the planning and migration of civil servants do not go as scheduled or if the anticipated population growth does not materialize. Proper management of both regions will be crucial to mitigating these risks.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Siti, for sharing your insights on this significant transition for Indonesia.
Dr. Siti Rahmawati: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s an exciting time for Indonesia, and how we navigate these changes will shape the future of both Jakarta and Nusantara.
Former President Joko Widodo cited overcrowding and heavy traffic in Jakarta as reasons for the change.
Indonesian Home Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian noted that Jakarta will shift from being the capital to a special region. He assured that Jakarta will continue to be a hub for economic and cultural activities. Despite the change, Jakarta is expected to maintain its importance in national affairs.