This Urban Planning Expert Values Ahok Is Not Suitable To Be The Head Of The Archipelago IKN Authority, Must Know Infrastructure Science

JAKARTA - The name Basuki Tjahaja Purnama alias Ahok was called by President Jokowi as one of the strong candidates for the Head of the National Capital Authority (IKN) of the Archipelago. However, Ahok was deemed unfit to lead the new capital city.

An urban planning observer from Trisakti University, Nirwono Joga, sees that the person who deserves to be the Head of the IKN Authority is someone who understands the basic science of infrastructure.

"For the initial stage, the first 5 years will focus on building basic urban infrastructure, therefore a head of authority must be chosen who can make it happen. Pak Ahok's position is not yet right or at the right time," said Nirwono when contacted, Saturday, January 22.

Likewise with the names of other candidates that Jokowi mentioned, such as the Minister of Research and Technology/Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Bambang Brodjonegoro, CEO of PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk Tumiyono, and Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas.

Nirwono assesses that the names are also not suitable to fill the position of Head of the Capital Authority, which was moved from Jakarta to East Kalimantan.

Considering that in the first few years, the capital city must be able to complete the construction of basic city infrastructure such as roads, waterways, clean water supply, and housing.

Then, the development of government infrastructure, such as the State Palace, Ministry buildings and institutions.

"The names in circulation will be more appropriate or appropriate if the infrastructure development has been completed, at least after the first 5 years of the development period," said Nirwono.

For information, the project to move the nation's capital from Jakarta to Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, is just a matter of time after the enactment of the Draft State Capital Law (RUU IKN) to become the IKN Law at the DPR RI plenary meeting, Tuesday, January 18.

The discussion of this law was fairly fast because it only took 43 days, starting from December 7, 2021 until it was ratified on January 18, 2022. Later, the agreed capital city named Nusantara will be led by the Chairman of the Authority who is directly elected by President Joko Widodo.

Two years ago, President Jokowi had leaked the names of a number of candidates for the head of the authority. One of the most highlighted is the former Governor of DKI Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok.

"There are many candidates. One Mr. Bambang Brodjonegoro, two Mr. Ahok, three Mr. Tumiyono, four Mr. Azwar Anas," said Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday, March 2 2020.