Will the Capital Relocation Project (Ibu Kota Nusantara) Stall After President Joko Widodo?
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| President Jokowi, during the inauguration of IKN in Paser Penajam, wore traditional Dayak attire presented by Helena, a local Dayak leader. Credit photo: Helena. |
BALIKPAPAN - dayaktoday.com: On October 20, 2024, Indonesia welcomed a new president, Prabowo Subianto. Prabowo took the helm as the country's next president after winning the Indonesian General Election in February 2024.
With Joko Widodo stepping down, questions arose: What will happen to the Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) -- Nusantara Capital post-Jokowi?
IKN's future uncertain after Jokowi
Will it stall, or will it continue to move forward? IKN, an ambitious project intended to serve as Indonesia’s new governmental center, has sparked major discussions regarding infrastructure development and government strategy.
However, with Jokowi’s administration coming to an end, there are concerns and speculations about the future of IKN.
It hasn't been a smooth process. Our records indicate that the formation and development of IKN have faced numerous obstacles and have had their share of "casualties."
Local resistance and protests, although not widely reported, have created quite a stir. The resignation of Bambang Susantono and Dhony Rahajoe from their positions as the Head and Deputy Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (IKN) highlighted these issues.
According to President Joko Widodo, their resignations were due to “personal reasons.” But is that the whole story? What exactly were those reasons?
Speculation surrounds IKN’s future post-Jokowi
Speculation is unavoidable, and various versions have emerged. Ultimately, everyone is asking: What will happen to IKN after Jokowi's presidency in 2024?
Recently, it was announced that the national celebration on August 17 will be centered in IKN. We all know that the more you promote something, the more its value can decline. Is that the case here?
Consequently, many questions arise: Will the fate of IKN mirror Myanmar’s failed relocation? Or will it follow in the footsteps of neighboring Malaysia, which successfully moved its capital from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya in 1999?
As we know, Putrajaya was developed as a new administrative capital to replace Kuala Lumpur, situated about 25 kilometers south of the city, designed to be a modern hub focused on administration and governance.
Read 7 Issues Facing the Dayak Community Today
In contrast, our IKN is a far cry from this (from Jakarta to East Kalimantan), unlike the Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya transition.
When the IKN plan was initially rolled out, it certainly created an enticing impression.
Then, as the saying goes, it’s up to you. This highlights the significance of first impressions; they often set the stage for what follows.
As for the relocation of the Nusantara Capital from Jakarta (Java) to Penajam Paser (East Kalimantan), what are the reactions and sentiments of the local Kalimantan residents?
During the inauguration, Helena, representing the Dayak and the Earth, did not show any signs of disappointment. Yet, outside, millions of Dayak eyes were glued to an event that felt disconnected from their leaders and community figures.
The organizing committee could argue that it was a state event, not a traditional ceremony. However, it’s essential to understand the feelings of the local residents.
Many people, including Dayak leaders, are feeling anxious and harboring anger, especially since their prominent leader, Dr. Marthin Billa, President of Majelis Adat Dayak Nasional (MADN) -- the National Customary Assembly was not invited to the ceremony of the first camp and unification of the Nusantara land in Penajam on March 15, 2022.
In response, Drs. Yakobus Kumis, the Secretary-General of the National Dayak Customary Assembly (MADN), issued a press release. The essence was that MADN was aware of the event but felt the committee had an agenda that went beyond just inviting governors; they included Dayak figures and local communities.
As a national mass organization, MADN decided to mandate local leadership to Helena Samuel as the chair of the Dayak Customary Council (Dewan Adat Dayak -- DAD) in Penajam Paser Utara (PPU).
The Dayak, as the indigenous population, do not want to be mere spectators. Yet, many do not recognize this, leading to doubts about Helena's leadership.
I’ve known Helena for quite some time. We’ve been friends on Facebook and often chat about the Dayak culture and the future of the indigenous people of Borneo, once referred to in ancient texts influenced by Indian Hinduism as Varuna-dvipa.
Helena is a Dayak Kenyah and an activist, embodying 100% Dayak blood. She serves as a bridge between the Dayak people, the local community, and the head of state regarding the traditional rituals surrounding the relocation of the Nusantara Capital.
-- Hikmat Karunia