Constitutional Court Rules Jakarta Remains Indonesia's Capital as IKN Development Continues

The Nusantara Capital Authority (NCA) has confirmed construction of the new capital continues as planned, following the Constitutional Court’s ruling that Jakarta remains Indonesia’s capital. Spokesperson Troy Pantouw stated that Nusantara’s development is ongoing, funded through three schemes: the state budget (APBN), public-private partnerships (PPPs), and private investment. ‘All operations are currently underway, meaning construction is progressing. There is no halt, stagnation, or abandonment — these terms must be corrected by anyone,’ he said during an event for the Indonesian Journalists Union (SPS) East Kalimantan chapter’s 2025-2029 leadership inauguration and strategic media dialogue at Grand Tjokro in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. In his remarks, Troy reiterated the grand vision of Nusantara’s development through the Nusantara Economic Superhub concept. He stressed that the new capital is not only a government centre but also a new growth hub connected to surrounding areas in East Kalimantan. ‘The Nusantara Economic Superhub is the economic development direction for IKN, connecting strategic clusters to create innovative new growth. The goal of the Nusantara Capital is to become a new economic growth centre in Indonesia,’ he said. Construction is not confined to the Central Government Zone (KIPP) but extends across nine planning areas, encompassing government centres, economic and business hubs, healthcare facilities, renewable energy zones, entertainment districts, education and research institutions, and food industries. This strategy also opens collaboration opportunities with Balikpapan, Penajam Paser Utara, Samarinda, and other East Kalimantan regions. During the forum, Troy outlined progress in Nusantara, including road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, banking clusters, educational institutions, places of worship, and the development of the Sepaku area. He reiterated the NCA’s dedication to enhancing social and cultural aspects, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), environmental management, and community services. In the Q&A session, Troy addressed questions regarding the Constitutional Court’s recent ruling on the IKN Law and Special Capital Region of Jakarta Law (DKJ). He clarified that the ruling does not revoke Nusantara’s status as the capital but reinforces the legal pathway for the capital relocation from Jakarta. He explained that the official decision to move the capital lies with the President through a presidential decree, as per legal provisions. With this SPS forum, the media has a vital role in ensuring information is communicated comprehensively, clearly, and factually. Troy encouraged media to safeguard public information spaces by accurately reporting on IKN’s development progress. ‘Through this forum, we need narratives that tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” — that is, accurate facts. Today’s fact is that IKN is advancing and under construction,’ he concluded.