Jakarta's Status as National Capital Not Seen as Hindering IKN Development

Jakarta’s status as the transitional national capital does not impede the sustainability of development or the phased operational preparations of IKN as the national political governance centre in 2028, Raja Juli Antoni said in a statement on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

The Supreme Court’s Decision No. 38/PUU-XXIV/2026 stressed that Jakarta remains the national capital until a Presidential Decree on the move is issued. ‘The designation of the timing of the capital move via a Presidential Decree is a constitutional government prerogative carried out based on national readiness, thus ensuring legal certainty and continuity of governance,’ he added.

However, Komarudin from the Parliament complex argued that large funds already spent on IKN should not be wasted before the city is utilised. ‘Maintenance requires a large budget. Just look at the DPR building: how much, daily cleaning, weed removal. A whole city—where will you source the funds? The capital is not moving but daily cleaning costs billions are incurred,’ he said.

He proposed that Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka should promptly set up an office in IKN. ‘There are ministers who must move there, or the Vice President should have an office there so there is real benefit, rather than waiting for over a year. All those buildings require maintenance,’ he added.

Earlier, the Supreme Court emphasised that Jakarta remains the capital of Indonesia. This was stated in Decision No. 71/PUU-XXIV/2026, which rejected the petition in its entirety for the challenge to Law No. 3/2022 on IKN on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. ‘The court denied the applicants’ request in full,’ said Chief Justice Suhartoyo as he read the decision.