TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Democracy (NasDem) Party has urged the central government to issue a temporary moratorium on the development of the new capital, Nusantara Capital City (IKN), in East Kalimantan.

The deputy chair of the NasDem Party, Saan Mustopa, said the moratorium must be enacted if the government cannot name IKN as the national capital through a presidential decree.

"The temporary moratorium should consider fiscal capability and national priorities," he said at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, July 18, 2025, as monitored via NasDem's YouTube channel.

Additionally, the Deputy House Speaker suggested that the government should consider designating IKN as the capital of East Kalimantan. The government is then urged to reaffirm Jakarta as the national capital and revise Law Number 3 of 2022 on the National Capital.

This measure could halt the chatter surrounding the IKN status as well as ensure the existing infrastructure does not become stalled or neglected. "Jakarta can be maintained as the national capital until all administrative preparations, infrastructure, and policies for civil servant rotations are thoroughly ready," he added.

If the government wishes to proceed with the IKN development, Saan has requested President Prabowo Subianto to promptly issue a decree regarding the gradual relocation of ministries/agencies and the gradual transfer of civil servants (ASN) to IKN. Ministry and agency staff need to be relocated promptly to activate IKN.

The NasDem Party suggested that Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka could set up his office in IKN first. "Followed by several priority ministries or agencies, to allow for some activities in IKN," he said.

Saan also urged Prabowo to promptly sign a decree regarding the transfer of the functions and roles of the national capital from Jakarta to IKN. This decree must be issued in accordance with Article 4, Paragraph 2 of Law 3 of 2022 concerning the National Capital.

The relocation of civil servants to IKN in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, has not yet been realized. Only civil servants from the IKN Authority have started their duties.

Head of the IKN Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, stated that the government is proceeding with the development of the IKN project. The government has allotted Rp48.8 trillion for the implementation of the second phase of development, planned to run until 2028.

President Prabowo has requested Basuki to focus on developing the legislative, judiciary, and supporting infrastructure areas.

Riri Rahayuningsih contributed to the writing of this article.

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