Jokowi Ratifies DKJ Law, Jakarta Still Holds Capital Status

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has signed off on Law No. 2/2024 regarding the Special Capital Region of Jakarta (DKJ) on April 25, 2024. This decision marks a pivotal moment as it signifies the transition of Indonesia’s capital away from Jakarta.

Despite the official enactment of Law No. 2/2024, Jakarta remains the capital of Indonesia for the time being. Article 63 of the law explicitly states that Jakarta will retain its status as the nation’s capital until further directives are issued regarding the relocation.

According to Article 64 of the DKJ law, the Special Capital Region of Jakarta will continue to function as the capital of Jakarta Province until modifications are made in accordance with the provisions outlined in Law No. 2/2024. This gradual process ensures a smooth transition of capital functions.

The implementation of government and state affairs, including the location of state institutions and other organizations, will still be carried out in Jakarta until the completion of the relocation process. This interim period allows for the necessary preparations and adjustments to be made.

Law No. 2/2024 also brings about a renaming of the Special Capital Region of Jakarta to the Special Region of Jakarta Province, signifying a shift in administrative delineation.

Furthermore, the law stipulates that the determination of the capital of Jakarta Province will be governed by government regulations. This formalizes the administrative changes and sets the stage for the upcoming transition.

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The Special Region of Jakarta Province holds a crucial position as the national economic hub and a prominent global city. Its role as a center for trade, services, finance, and business activities underscores its significance on both national and international scales.

Meanwhile, amidst these developments, stakeholders express optimism about Jakarta’s future. Hari Wibowo, Head of Marketing and Attractions Division at the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf), believes that Jakarta will continue to thrive as a hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) despite initial challenges posed by the capital relocation.

Hari points out Jakarta’s existing infrastructure, including world-class venues like Jakarta International Expo (JI Expo) and Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), as well as its strategic transportation networks, as factors that will sustain its MICE prominence.

While the capital relocation marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s administrative landscape, Jakarta’s resilience and adaptability position it to navigate through this transition period with confidence.