IKN has become one of the issues raised by presidential and vice-presidential candidate pairs. Currently, there are three pairs: Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD.

The Prabowo-Gibran and Ganjar-Mahfud pairs have mentioned their intention to continue the IKN development project. Meanwhile, the Anies-Muhaimin pair does not include the IKN project in their vision and mission.

Taufik suggests that presidential and vice-presidential candidates should look at the broader perspective of the well-being of the Indonesian people rather than focusing on a single issue like IKN.

"The reconsideration of IKN is just one aspect of many things that need to be discussed. Our focus as voters should look at the development of presidential and vice-presidential strategies in efforts to advance the welfare of the Indonesian people," says Taufik, who views Anies's emphasis on the IKN issue as merely provoking a pros and cons reaction.

A similar opinion is expressed by development economist Purwadi Purwoharsojo from Unmul, emphasizing that addressing the sustainability of the National Capital City (IKN) relocation in East Kalimantan during the 2024 Presidential and Vice-Presidential Election campaign should primarily focus on the vision of the people's welfare.

"The relocation of the government center without the relocation of the business center does not significantly impact economic equality in Indonesia," says Purwadi, commenting on the current government's efforts to attract investors to IKN Nusantara.

Purwadi criticizes the statement of presidential candidate number one, Anies Baswedan, regarding the IKN project, suggesting it needs to be re-evaluated and can be postponed. "We have invested a lot of money in that project (IKN). If not continued, (IKN) is feared to become a burden on the state budget," says the development economist.

According to Purwadi, the relocation of the capital along with the business center refers to the development of Jakarta with mature infrastructure, including the capital market, banking, telecommunications, and roads.

The relocation of the business center with mature infrastructure is tangible evidence of the government achieving economic growth distribution from Java to Kalimantan and other islands. "If only the government center is moved, there is only a shift in government personnel. Economic equality requires more than that," says Purwadi.

ANTARA

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