As Indonesia progresses with the development of its new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), former Minister of Research and Technology Bambang PS Brodjonegoro, voices concerns, urging planners to avoid the unplanned urban sprawl characteristic of Jakarta.
In a discussion at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Bambang highlighted the critical need for well-planned urban development in IKN to ensure it does not replicate the chaotic growth of Jakarta, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure keeping pace with population growth.
Historical Precedent and Current Challenges:
Bambang Brodjonegoro pointed out that Jakarta’s rapid growth outpaced its infrastructure capabilities, a scenario he hopes will not be repeated in IKN. His comments come as Indonesia aims to decentralize economic activities and alleviate the congestion and infrastructural strain in Jakarta.
Development Vision for IKN:
The former minister stressed that while IKN’s role as a new economic hub is welcomed, its development should be strategically paced to ensure a sustainable urban environment. This involves careful planning to match economic growth with population increases and infrastructure development.
Photo: Dimas Ardian/Bloomberg (2014)
Broader Implications for Regional Development:
Bambang also discussed the potential of IKN to boost the economy in surrounding regions, not just within its immediate locality. He advocated for a balanced development approach that would prevent IKN from becoming overly congested and burdened like Jakarta.
Read More: Nusantara: The Eco-Friendly Capital of the Future
Government’s Role and Investor Interest:
There is a cautious observation from potential investors, who are waiting for more detailed regulatory frameworks and a clear demonstration of government commitment to IKN’s development. Bambang emphasized the need for government transparency and proactive engagement to attract and secure investments.
Recommendations for Sustainable Urban Planning:
Experts like ITB’s Professor Tommy Firman suggest taking a measured approach to developing IKN, similar to long-term projects like Washington DC, which was developed over decades to ensure thorough planning and sustainable growth.
Bambang Brodjonegoro’s cautionary stance on the development of IKN serves as a crucial reminder of the need for comprehensive planning in urban development. For Singaporeans and international observers, this approach underscores Indonesia’s commitment to avoiding past mistakes and fostering a balanced and sustainable urban future.
Bambang PS Brodjonegoro, a former Indonesian minister, has expressed concerns about the new capital IKN becoming a repeat of Jakarta’s rapid and unplanned growth. He calls for strategic and well-planned development to ensure that IKN fosters sustainable growth and helps distribute economic activities more evenly across Indonesia.
