As Indonesia prepares for a transition of power this week, outgoing President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) marked his final days in office by inaugurating several key infrastructure projects in Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), the country’s new capital city.
These projects, including the IKN State Palace and two major private hospitals, represent the latest milestones in Jokowi’s legacy before he hands over the presidency to retired Gen. Prabowo Subianto.
On Friday, October 11, Jokowi officially inaugurated the IKN-based State Palace, symbolizing the Indonesian government’s shift from Jakarta to the new capital. Two private hospitals—Mayapada and Hermina—were also declared ready for operation in IKN.
“This Friday’s noon time along with your presence here, I declare to inaugurate IKN’s State Palace,” said President Jokowi at the event. He added that the Garuda State Palace would be officially inaugurated by incoming President Prabowo Subianto once its furnishing was completed.
The symbolic handover of the State Palace was marked by the presentation of its certificate by Agrarian and Site Planning Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono to State Secretariat Minister Pratikno, with a clear message that “the owner of IKN’s State Palace is the Indonesian Administration.”
The inauguration was attended by several top officials and at least 100 business leaders, including Mr. Datuk Sri Tahir, also known as Ang Tjoen Ming, a billionaire who owns Mayapada Enterprises and serves on Jokowi’s Presidential Advisory Council.
Divisive legacy
Jokowi’s detractors viewed the high-profile inaugurations as a last attempt to bolster his legacy. For them, these events were widely seen as Jokowi’s “fresh and last ‘make-up’ stories to leverage his best practice and legacy to entertain Indonesian society.”
However, many Indonesians continue to regard Jokowi as a leader with strong integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. For his supporters, these final initiatives exemplify his commitment to reshaping the country’s future.
Jokowi’s vision for IKN
In a presentation two years ago, Jokowi outlined his vision for IKN, stating that the decision to move the capital from Jakarta to IKN was “a part of his ambition to transform Indonesia to await the new era of smart city.”
He also emphasized the importance of creating a more equitable society, noting that “Java-centred development has always been becoming [a] spotlight of non-fair national development.”
Jokowi has consistently maintained that IKN will be “our national showcase of nationwide transformation in the field of environment, workforce, economy-cum-technology-based best practices, as well as to deliver high quality of education and health service.”
He shared this vision on January 29, 2022, and reiterated his ambition to promote social justice and fairness through the new capital’s development.
Admiration from industry leaders
Among the attendees at Friday’s event was Theodorus Wiryawan, one of Indonesia’s top CEOs. Speaking with LiCAS News from IKN, Wiryawan expressed his admiration for the rapid development of the new capital.
“It is within some years only, such a tremendous achievement to develop scores [of] sites and communal services has been taking place in IKN,” he said.
One of the most notable aspects of IKN’s development is its focus on sustainability, particularly through the use of electric vehicles to promote a green environment.
Twin-city proposal
The Indonesian Association of Planning Schools (ASPI) has proposed that Jakarta and IKN be declared twin cities for the period 2025-2029.
This concept would see both cities functioning as administrative hubs for a certain period. The proposal has garnered the support of Bambang Susantono, the former IKN Project Chief.
As President Jokowi prepares to step down, his vision for IKN remains a centerpiece of his legacy. The incoming administration, led by President-elect Prabowo Subianto, will inherit the responsibility of continuing the ambitious project to relocate Indonesia’s capital and drive national transformation.
