Building a capital city, carving out a megaproject legacy?

Abstract

This paper examines the importance of legacy as a hidden agenda behind the ambitions and haste attitude of Indonesian state leaders in relocating the capital. It also elucidates the institutional mechanisms employed to achieve this lofty goal. In 2019, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) issued a controversial declaration on the relocation of Indonesia's capital city from Jakarta to Kalimantan Island. Despite the protracted COVID-19 pandemic and the prevailing global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, he marshalled all necessary means and resources under his command to ensure the capital megaproject could commence and the inauguration could be held before his presidential tenure ends in 2024. As formal and technical arguments for Indonesia's capital relocation have been criticised for inconsistencies, a comprehensive understanding of the real phenomenon necessitates an exploration of the hidden agendas behind this unpopular move. The argument posits that the new capital city serves as a megaproject legacy, signified by the construction of monumental and iconic buildings and structures that will reflect the enduring power and memories of the politicians. Furthermore, the institutional mechanisms of the megaproject legacy tend to be pragmatic, whereby quick, concrete and symbolic actions become the top priority at the expense of the quality of the planning process and outcome.