PRIME NEWS POST
The INDONESIAN, (JAKARTA) — Controversy surrounding the relocation of the National Capital City (IKN) has once again come under public scrutiny. The various arguments put forward to support the development of the new capital are deemed to require objective, rational review, and must prioritize the interests of the broader population — especially at a time when the national economy continues to face multiple challenges.
This view was expressed by Fiqih during the “Judge Jokowi” Communication Forum FORJIS 1, an event attended by a number of national figures, on Saturday, May 17. In the discussion, Fiqih argued that relocating the capital is not merely a matter of physical construction, but concerns the nation’s development priorities and the long-term use of state funds.
“We must ensure the state does not burden its people in pursuit of an ambitious project whose real benefits have yet to be truly felt by the majority of society,” Fiqih stated.
He also pointed out that the claim that the capital city must be located at the geographic center of the country has no absolute basis in global governance practices. He noted that many major nations — including the United States, Japan, China, Australia, and even Saudi Arabia — have their capitals situated far from their country’s geographic midpoint.
“Factors such as history, security, economy, and the concentration of national activity carry far greater weight than geographic location alone,” he said.
Fiqih further questioned the rationale of promoting equal development, arguing that this goal cannot be achieved if massive funding is concentrated in just one single area. In his view, equitable progress should be pursued by building basic infrastructure across all regions — including roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, irrigation systems, electricity, clean water supply, and productive sectors that directly meet people’s daily needs.
“If such a huge budget were instead allocated to strengthen underdeveloped regions throughout Indonesia, the impact would be far more evenly distributed and directly felt by the people,” he emphasized.
In addition, he raised doubts about whether moving the capital would effectively reduce overcrowding in Jakarta and the greater Jabodetabek metropolitan area. According to him, relocating government administration does not automatically shift the country’s main centers of economy, industry, or trade.
“Most of those who will move are civil servants and officials. There is no guarantee they will bring their families, and their total numbers are not significant enough to ease population pressure on Java Island,” he explained.
Fiqih also addressed the argument that Jakarta faces the threat of sinking land and tidal flooding. In his view, the government should focus on solving these problems rather than abandoning the city altogether.
“The Netherlands has faced similar threats for centuries, yet they have addressed the challenge through technological solutions and improved governance — not by moving their entire capital,” he pointed out.
He also raised concerns over geopolitical and defense considerations, noting that the location of the new capital is relatively close to the borders of neighboring countries. He argued that in an era of modern military technology, strategic security factors must be given serious attention.
Furthermore, Fiqih stated that the development of the new capital must take into account the country’s current fiscal situation, marked by a state budget deficit, a weakening rupiah, and high reliance on foreign debt.
“When state revenues remain unstable and the needs of the people are still immense, budget priorities must be calculated and allocated with utmost wisdom,” he concluded.
Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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