Capital City Move to Start in 2024, Says Bappenas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government is currently drafting a timeline in relation to the plan to move the capital city to outside of Java Island. Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Bambang Brodjonegoro, said that the arrangement of the construction plan will start in 2019 up to early 2020.

"All studies and the final location of the future capital will complete at the end of 2019. By the time the decision issued, we will instantly consult with the DPR [House of Representatives] and determine the legal framework, whether to amend a policy or issue a new one," said Bambang in Bina Graha building, Central Jakarta on Monday, May 13, 2019.

Bambang added that the government, through the Ministry of Land and Spatial Planning, is expected to have prepared the location and ensured the land status in 2020 in a bid to build the basic infrastructure for the new administrative center.

The land preparation was also required to convert the land previously object to land cultivation right (HGU) to be developed into an urban area. The Minister asserted that the new capital city development would not carried out through land acqusition, and explained that developing the new capital will require 30,000 to 40,000 hectares of land.

He also hoped that the construction of the basic infrastructures and government facilities such as residential complex and commercial areas will start in 2022 until 2024.

"So the construction will run for 3 years; 2022, 2023, and 2024. At least, the relocation of the administrative center can be started in 2024," said Bambang. "Two years for the preparation of the basic infrastructure, and three years for building the city."

However, Bambang Brodjonegoro added, his ministry has yet decided the scenario for the relocation–considering two options; a complete move such as the capital city of Malaysia, Putrajaya or gradual move such as Sejong, South Korea.

DIAS PRASONGKO