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

National Monument Area in Central Jakarta. (Antara)

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has just passed the Revised Draft Law on the Special Region of Jakarta (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 be transferred to the Nusantara, East Kalimantan. Jakarta, a city that is often said to never sleep, is now at a crossroads: is this the end of its glory, or the beginning of a major transformation?

As the capital city, Jakarta is the center of everything—economy, culture, politics. With a population of 10.7 million in 2022, according to BPS, the city contributes IDR 3,200 trillion or 16.6% of the national GDP. However, these extraordinary figures often hide Jakarta's other face: severe traffic jams, seasonal flooding, and air quality that is often at hazardous levels. It is not the first time that Jakarta has been ranked as one of the cities with the worst air in the world.

Amidst rapid growth, Jakarta faces major challenges in managing the impacts of urbanization. Congestion is part of the daily lives of its citizens, while flooding is a routine threat that has not been resolved.

If President Prabowo Subianto officially signs the presidential decree (Keppres) regarding the transfer of the capital city to the Indonesian Capital City Nusantara (IKN), then the transition to the Nusantara gives Jakarta a great opportunity to redefine itself.

In other words, the transition of the capital city to the Indonesian Nusantara, the heavy burden will be reduced. Jakarta no longer has to focus on government protocols or state administrative affairs, Jakarta can focus its energy on economic, cultural, and technological innovation.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has certainly prepared a number of strategies related to the change in status. For example, infrastructure modernization, development of public transportation, and digitalization of services. However, these steps must be accompanied by a paradigm shift in city management. Transformation does not only depend 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 "capital city" label? 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 holistic grand strategy, the city risks 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 Jakarta wants to truly become a global city, it must build a strong new identity. The city can no longer rely solely on its symbolic status. Transformation must include major investments in human resources, improved quality of life, and environmental sustainability. Jakartans do not need empty promises—they need real change that can be felt in their daily lives.

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

History has given Jakarta a great opportunity to emerge from the shadow of its capital city status. With strategic steps, Jakarta can prove that this city is more than just a symbol of the country.

Imagine if Jakarta was no longer an economic magnet, while Nusantara was developing rapidly?

Jakarta’s success or failure will not only be determined by plans on paper, but also by real execution that touches everyday life. Is Jakarta ready to face this new chapter? Or will this city become a story of fading glory? Only time will tell.