Nusantara Capital City (IKN): Threats and Defense Strategies for Indonesia’s New Capital

Abstract

Jakarta, as the current state capital of Indonesia, plays an important role as the center of government and economy. However, due to several problems in Jakarta, the government has considered relocating the capital city to other regions. The President of Indonesia, Jokowi, has expressed his intention to move the capital city to Kalimantan Island. This relocation has raised concerns about defense policy. This research aims to identify the threats that may arise in the proposed new capital city, Nusantara Capital City (IKN), and to propose strategies to overcome them. The methods used in this research include a qualitative approach based on documented perceptions, assumptions, and judgments among Indonesia’s leaders and a quantitative approach to mapping the comparative postures of relevant defense figures. The results indicate that the highest threat in IKN comes from the air (combat, UAV, ICBM’s), while the low-level threat is the location of IKN, which is near the borders, and FIR coincides with the IASL. The critical aspect of defending IKN would be to strengthen national defense diplomacy in the region. In conclusion, this research provides insight into the potential threats to the proposed new capital city and suggests strategies to mitigate them.

Exploring Research Trends in the Indonesian Archipelago’s New National Capital

“…IKN development is considered an opportunity for sustainable development, focusing on smart transportation, smart grids, and green buildings (Kalalinggi et al, 2023;Praditya et al, 2023). The government has also implemented environmental protection efforts and measures (Prianggodo, 2023).…”

Mapping environmental problems in the new capital city of “Nusantara” as a foundation for sustainable development governance

“…Indonesia's New Capital City Case Study: Kutai Kartanegara and North Penajam Paser Regency [38] This research resulted in considerations regarding the designation of Kutai Kartanegara and North Penajam Paser Regencies as the location of the state capital or PKN Nusantara based on several studies conducted by Bappenas which not only highlight security factors, especially regarding the threat of terrorism in the region but are also part of actions regarding potential threats in the state capital. The new writing in this research uses qualitative methods by collecting data from books and journals.…”

Monitoring land cover change and its estimated carbon loss in the Nusantara capital city Indonesia on high-resolution planet satellite imagery

“…The new capital's chosen site is positioned within the East Kalimantan Province, spanning the Penajam Paser Utara and Kutai Kartanegara Regencies 8 . The main reason behind relocating Indonesia's capital to IKN is spread and make the nation's development equal and have a nation's capital that is environmentally healthier 9 . The construction of IKN follows distinct phases, with a targeted completion set for the year 2045 10 .…”

“…Phase I of the IKN development spans from 2022 to 2024, requiring a workforce of over 260,000 construction personnel 11 . This initial phase encompasses the construction of government office edifices, housing for state civil servants (ASN), and facilities for the TNI and Polri, along with essential environmental infrastructure, public amenities, and defense and security components to ensure site safety 9 . By 2024, the envisioned total population of the IKN, including its current inhabitants, is projected to reach approximately 488,409 individuals 9 .…”

“…This initial phase encompasses the construction of government office edifices, housing for state civil servants (ASN), and facilities for the TNI and Polri, along with essential environmental infrastructure, public amenities, and defense and security components to ensure site safety 9 . By 2024, the envisioned total population of the IKN, including its current inhabitants, is projected to reach approximately 488,409 individuals 9 . In the ongoing year of 2023, the IKN's construction persists in its Phase I, with a notable emphasis on advancing its infrastructure development.…”