"The president will decide on a location this year. This matter can no longer be deferred, and this study has been conducted for 1.5 years. We are finalizing the study, so that the president will have adequate data to make an informed decision," Brodjonegoro noted while holding a discussion on the relocation of the state capital at the Bappenas Office, here Thursday.
Least risk of natural disasters is among the criteria in deciding on a capital city under which the eastern part of Sumatra, all of Kalimantan, and southern Sulawesi are under consideration. East Kalimantan Province has emerged as the strongest contender for the location of the new state capital.
In May 2019, President Jokowi had followed up and held consultations on plans to relocate the capital city while breaking fast with the leaders of state institutions.
Brodjonegoro said political communication that the president had built at the palace was crucial to realizing the long-mooted plan to move the capital out of Java.
Currently, regulations related to the capital city of Indonesia are stipulated in Law Number 29 of 2007 on the Provincial Government of the Special Capital Region of Jakarta as the Capital of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
"A political process will be necessary once greater certainty is gained on matters. In future, a law needs to be put in place for ensuring sustainability. If it is definite and ready, we will proceed with a revision of the law on the capital's special area," Brodjonegoro remarked.
Earlier, Chairman of the House of Representatives' Commission II Zainuddin Amali stated that the House of Representatives will establish a Special Committee (Pansus) for the transfer of the country's capital. Commission II of the House of Representatives will conduct a comprehensive reassessment on regulations to offer a legal umbrella for plans to shift the capital city to a new location.
Translator: Eliswan Azly
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
