Jakarta Without Capital Status: End Of Era Or New Beginning?

National Monument Area in downtown Jakarta. (Between)

The Indonesian House of Representatives has just ratified the Revision of the Draft Jakarta Special Region Bill (RUU DKJ). This decision marks an important chapter in Jakarta's history. The status of the nation's capital, which has been held since 1949, will soon switch to the archipelago, East Kalimantan. Jakarta, a city that is often said to have never slept, is now at a intersection point: is this the end of its glory, or is this the beginning of a major transformation?

As the capital city, Jakarta is the center of everything "economic, cultural, political". With a population of 10.7 million people in 2022, according to BPS, this city accounts for IDR 3,200 trillion or 16.6% of the national GDP. However, this extraordinary figure often hides another face in Jakarta: severe congestion, seasonal flooding, and air quality which are often at dangerous levels. Not once did Jakarta get ranked as one of the worst air cities in the world.

In the midst of rapid growth, Jakarta faces great challenges in managing the impact of urbanization. Congestion is part of people's daily lives, while flooding is a routine threat that has not been resolved.

If President Prabowo Subianto officially signs a presidential decree regarding the relocation of the capital city to the capital city of Nusantara (IKN) then the transition to the archipelago gives Jakarta a great opportunity to redefine itself.

In other words, the transition of the capital city to the archipelago will decrease. Jakarta no longer has to focus on government protocols or state administrative affairs, Jakarta can focus its energy on economic, cultural and technological innovations.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has certainly compiled a number of strategies related to change in status. For example, modernization of infrastructure, development of public transportation, and digitization of services. However, these steps must be accompanied by changes in paradigms in city management. Transformation not only depends on physical development, but also on the ability to build an ecosystem that supports the quality of life of its citizens.

Is Jakarta able to remain relevant on the regional economic stage without the frills "the capital city of Badminton in the Southeast Asian Region is increasingly competitive, with cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Bangkok continuing to develop their competitiveness.

If Jakarta does not have a large holistic strategy, the city is at risk of losing its appeal. Infrastructure modernization alone is not enough if it is not accompanied by better human resource management, improved air quality, and concrete flood management.

If you want to truly become a global city, Jakarta must build a strong new identity. This city can no longer only depend on its symbolic status. Transformation must include large investments in human resources, improving the quality of life, and environmental sustainability. Jakartans do not need empty promises "they need real changes that are felt in everyday life."

Jakarta's leadership also plays an important role. The elected new governor must be able to bring courage to create new opportunities, not just solving old problems. The reactive approach must be replaced with a clear vision and proactive strategy to make Jakarta the center of creativity and innovation.

History gives Jakarta a great opportunity to get out of the shadow of the capital city status. With strategic steps, Jakarta can prove that this city is more than just a symbol of the country.

Imagine if Jakarta would no longer be an economic magnet, while the archipelago would thrive?

Jakarta's success or failure will not only be determined by plans on paper, but also by real executions that touch everyday life. Is Jakarta ready to face this new chapter? Or, will this city be a story about the faded glory? Only time can answer.