Post by : Meena Ariff

The Indonesian government has announced a major step in relocating the nation’s capital from Jakarta to Nusantara. Construction of legislative and judicial zones in the new capital is set to begin in October this year. This marks the next phase of development in Nusantara, a city planned to reduce the burden on Jakarta, which is currently overcrowded and sinking.

The development is part of the second phase of construction in Nusantara, following the earlier establishment of executive institutions such as the presidential palace and ministerial offices. The government hopes these new zones will complete the transfer of core government functions, making Nusantara fully operational as the country’s administrative hub.

Preparations Completed for Construction

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), confirmed that preparations for the legislative and judicial zones in the Core Government Area (KIPP) are now complete.

“Construction will start between the end of October and early November this year,” Basuki said during a visit to North Penajam Paser District in East Kalimantan, where the new capital city is being developed.

The KIPP already includes the presidential palace and ministerial offices, whose construction began in 2022. The new legislative and judicial zones will house the House of Representatives (DPR), the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), the Supreme Court (MA), and other judicial institutions. These facilities are considered essential for the full relocation of government operations from Jakarta.

Layout of the New Zones

The new legislative and judicial zones have been carefully planned within the KIPP. The eastern section of the KIPP will be dedicated to the legislative bodies, including the DPR, MPR, and DPD. These buildings will serve as the center of parliamentary activities, allowing lawmakers to perform their duties in the new capital.

The western section of the KIPP will be allocated for the Supreme Court and other judicial institutions. This division ensures that the separation of powers is maintained, with the executive, legislative, and judicial branches having designated spaces within the city.

Funding and Timeline

The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works has allocated a total of 8.1 trillion rupiah (approximately US$520 million) for the construction of the legislative and judicial zones. Out of this, 2.9 trillion rupiah has been earmarked specifically for road access to the zones, ensuring smooth transportation and connectivity within the capital. Contracts for these infrastructure projects were awarded this month, signaling the government’s commitment to moving forward promptly.

Construction of the zones is expected to take 660 days. Once completed, these facilities will allow the legislative and judicial branches to operate fully in Nusantara, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ambitious capital relocation project.

Importance of Legislative and Judicial Facilities

Basuki emphasized that the legislative and judicial facilities are critical for the official transfer of the capital. “We should not focus only on executive institutions, because operational legislative and judicial bodies are just as important,” he said.

Indeed, the new capital cannot be considered fully functional until all branches of government are established in Nusantara. By prioritizing legislative and judicial buildings, Indonesia is ensuring that governance, lawmaking, and judicial functions can continue without disruption once the capital relocation is complete.

Reducing Pressure on Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia’s current capital, has been facing multiple challenges, including severe overcrowding, traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and the threat of sinking due to land subsidence. Relocating the capital to Nusantara is part of a long-term strategy to address these issues while creating a modern, sustainable administrative city in East Kalimantan.

By moving legislative, executive, and judicial functions to Nusantara, the government aims to redistribute population density, reduce environmental strain, and improve overall urban planning. The new capital is being designed to be smart, green, and resilient, with careful planning for infrastructure, transport, and public services.

Strategic Location of Nusantara

Nusantara’s location in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo has been chosen for its central position in Indonesia. Unlike Jakarta, which is located on the heavily populated island of Java, Nusantara offers ample space for expansion and less vulnerability to flooding and natural disasters.

The city is planned to integrate residential, administrative, and public facilities, creating a balanced environment for government employees and citizens. By incorporating green spaces, efficient road networks, and modern urban planning principles, Nusantara aims to become a model capital for the 21st century.

Challenges Ahead

Despite significant progress, the construction of Nusantara’s legislative and judicial zones faces several challenges. These include coordinating large-scale construction, ensuring the timely delivery of materials, and managing the workforce required for building these complex institutions.

Moreover, the government must continue to balance speed with quality, ensuring that the facilities are durable, sustainable, and equipped to meet the needs of lawmakers, judges, and government staff.

Vision for the New Capital

The development of legislative and judicial zones in Nusantara represents more than just moving buildings. It symbolizes Indonesia’s ambition to modernize its governance, reduce environmental pressures on Jakarta, and build a capital city that can meet the country’s needs for decades to come.

Once fully operational, Nusantara will house the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, creating a complete administrative hub. The move is expected to enhance efficiency, improve public services, and demonstrate Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable urban development.

The Indonesian government’s announcement to start construction of legislative and judicial zones in Nusantara by October marks a significant step in the country’s capital relocation plan. With a total investment of 8.1 trillion rupiah and carefully planned zones within the KIPP, Nusantara is on track to become a fully functional capital city.

These developments highlight Indonesia’s commitment to balancing growth, governance, and sustainability. The move will relieve Jakarta of its long-standing pressures, while creating a modern, organized, and strategic capital in East Kalimantan.