Jokowi Spends The Night At IKN, Golkar Politician: Not An Ordinary Camp

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Photo: Setkab)

JAKARTA - The activities of the Indonesian President Joko Widodo's camp in the area of the Capital of the Archipelago were highlighted by the Indonesian Parliament. The council assessed that this activity was not an ordinary camp. Deputy Chairman of Commission X DPR from the Golkar faction Hetifah Sjaifudian assessed that the camp was a symbol of Jokowi and the IKN Authority's efforts to adopt evidence-based policies.

Hetifah hopes that by experiencing firsthand the geographical, natural and environmental conditions, as well as the lives of the local people, the decisions that will be taken will better reflect the needs and challenges of the existing reality. "Don't let IKN officials only dream of building a futuristic new city without paying close attention to the existing real conditions," Hetifah told reporters, Sunday, March 13.

A few days ago, the East Kalimantan electoral district legislator revealed that he had visited the location directly and had a dialogue with the Sepaku community. He admits the existing terrain is indeed very challenging. "Public facilities and basic social services as well as business and economic infrastructure available in the vicinity of the location are still very minimal. Thus, building in the IKN area is a very difficult job and requires the support and collaboration of many parties," he said. Even so, the Golkar politician believes that Jokowi's two-way dialogue with traditional leaders will increase the level of acceptance of the Kalimantan people towards the transfer of IKN to the Sepaku area in East Kalimantan.

According to Hetifah, there are three recipes that the IKN Authority must carry out in the early stages of its work. First, immediately develop a lean but inclusive IKN Authority organizational structure. Among them by equipping the organization with figures who are competent and free from narrow interests. "Give local leaders, professional organizations, universities, youth organizations and media the opportunity to contribute," he said. Second, in parallel carrying out the process of empowering local communities and implementing participatory planning that is more serious and meaningful by involving civil society organizations and community groups.

"Third, open spaces for channeling aspirations and complaints for those who feel disadvantaged in the process of moving the capital city and create a complaint handling mechanism so that every complaint can be followed up seriously," explained Hetifah.

Hetifah assessed that if the three steps were carried out, the task of the IKN leadership duo, Bambang-Dhony, would be made easier. "So this is not an ordinary camp for recreation," concluded Hetifah.