The concept of establishing a smart city and a new capital in Indonesia is intricate, underscoring the pivotal role of comprehensive planning and government intervention. This research is fundamentally driven by two primary inquiries: Firstly, it seeks to examine the government’s strategy for preparing and facilitating the development of the new capital city. Secondly, it explores the potential for the growth of a smart city within this new administrative hub. The study methodically approached these questions by conducting a meticulous analysis of official government documents through the utilization of a thematic analysis technique and the analytical software known as Nvivo 12 Plus. The research effectively unveiled the Indonesian government’s objectives and what measures could be taken to realize the smart city vision in the prospective capital city, referred to as IKN/Nusantara.
The research outcomes delineate six key pillars of support for smart city development, all of which are top priorities for the government. These pillars encompass urban infrastructure, safety and security, quality of life in urban environments, government services, environmental sustainability, and transportation and mobility. All these priorities underscore the significance of technology integration, digitization, the incorporation of renewable energy sources, and a focus on sustainability.
However, it is imperative to acknowledge that, despite these priority areas, there remain notable obstacles in reshaping the outlook and potential for the development of smart cities in the new capital. Of particular concern are challenges pertaining to human resources, budget constraints, infrastructure readiness, and the adjustment of government bureaucratic structures. To address these challenges, this study suggests the establishment of a smart governance system designed to adapt to the new paradigm, with a primary focus on mitigating these problems and hurdles. Such an approach is poised to make a substantial contribution to unraveling the complexities of smart city development, addressing challenges, and charting a course for future growth. To read the full discussion of this issue, you can visit the following link: click here.